75 Years of NATO: Strengthening Global Security Through Unity and Cooperation

This summer marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of NATO, the most successful military alliance in history. NATO’s inception aimed to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union, later Russia, while also striving to prevent the resurgence of nationalist militarism and foster European integration.

Presidents Clinton and Bush envisioned a Europe that was whole, free, and at peace. They believed that by opening key Western institutions to Eastern Europe, stable democracies, free markets, and friendly relations with neighbors would prevail, ultimately erasing the Iron Curtain.

Recognizing a window of opportunity for expansion, NATO swiftly moved to include former Soviet states, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland under its open-door policy. Expansion shielded these nations—along with Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia—from potential invasion. It’s crucial to understand that had the Baltic nations not been brought into NATO, Russia would have likely targeted one of them, and not Ukraine. Today, 950 million people are shielded by the Alliance and the Article 5 pledge which states “an attack on one is an attack on all.”

Critics have wrongly attributed NATO enlargement to alienating Russia or encroaching on its sphere of influence. In reality, NATO enlargement has fulfilled its purpose: fostering a generation of prosperity, democratic growth, and military security for new entrants.

The deterioration of relations between the West and Russia stems from Putin’s own ambitions, which include asserting Russian dominance over Ukraine, Central Europe, and Central Asia. NATO enlargement didn’t prevent Russia from engaging in imperialistic endeavors but ensured that such conflicts occurred beyond NATO’s boundaries.

With the recent addition of Sweden and Finland, there is a renewed sense of purpose which strengthens the alliance, extending its reach to like-minded nations. It’s imperative to continue this trend, especially for countries such as Ukraine and Georgia, who aspire to join at the upcoming 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, DC, July 9-11.

The NATO Summit in July is meant to celebrate 75 years of success, but also to showcase how NATO adapts to challenges. The inclusion of Ukraine and Georgia holds significant strategic importance for regional stability and the defense of democratic values. Both nations have long expressed their desire to join the Alliance to safeguard their sovereignty and to deter external aggression, particularly from Russia. Both countries have been heavily engaged in NATO training exercises and enhancing interoperability with NATO forces. Both countries have also implemented important anti-corruption reforms.

In this light, the next NATO Summit should prioritize discussions on devising a clear and concrete path for Ukraine and Georgia to join the Alliance. By welcoming Ukraine and Georgia, NATO sends a powerful message of solidarity and support to aspiring democracies in the face of authoritarian aggression.