Russia’s actions in Ukraine have radically altered the European security equation, with the Black Sea region becoming an acutely contested zone between Russia and NATO. The juxtaposition of NATO members Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey on the western and southern coasts of the Black Sea, and Russia and Ukraine on the other coasts, creates an inherently explosive mix.
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What is the Number 1 Estonian security problem? Should Estonia build shelters for its people, like Finland? What stance should it take on compulsory military service for women? Will sanctions force Russia to undo its actions or do they provoke Russia even further? Diplomaatia held a discussion on defence policy in the run-up to the elections, attended by representatives of all political parties currently in the Riigikogu.
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The NATO of 2015 is a new NATO. And it is more like us than before.
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The Baltic States and Poland are not easy to defend due to their geographical location, but they are no longer easy to attack either.
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In ICDS’ latest cybersecurity report, “Improving Cyber Security: NATO and the EU”, Piret Pernik examines the future for cyber cooperation between the two largest collective organizations acting in security and defence issues in Europe – the EU and NATO. The author chronicles the oft delayed development of cyber capabilities of both groups. In doing so, Pernik highlights the core distinctions between them.
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Abstract deterrence is no substitute for real preparedness. Concrete measures must be in place for countering aggression.
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Collective defense must be the main topic at the September NATO summit in Wales.
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Europe and the United States need to cooperate to promote stability on Europe’s periphery as well as beyond, especially in Asia.
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In the eyes of many observers, a NATO failure to consolidate peace in Afghanistan would call into question the organization’s perceived status as the world’s most effective military alliance precisely at a time when NATO leaders are eager to demonstrate its potential contributions to global security with an Asian-focused Washington. But the Alliance faces many challenges in Afghanistan, ranging from the insurgents’ resilience in key sectors of the country to the loss of support for its presence among many members of the Afghan public, highlighted by the massive protests and insider attacks by Afghans following the burning of Korans by U.S. prison guards, several mass killings of civilians by NATO actions in Afghanistan, and various public opinion polls. NATO’s relations with Pakistan remain strained over cross-border incidents and Islamabad’s continuing terrorist ties. Above all, the Afghan government and its military and police forces still experience major difficulties in providing security, good governance, economic development, and the rule of law. Despite extensive foreign training programs and other NATO support, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) still have at best modest capacity to defeat the Taliban insurgents without the continued and extensive assistance of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). NATO needs more reliable and effective Afghan partners to achieve a successful transition to a sovereign, safe and secure Afghanistan able to survive without continued NATO support.
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NATO and Russia continue to cooperate on many issues, especially within the framework of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC). Primary areas of collaboration include maritime piracy, military exchanges, training exercises, terrorism, crisis management, WMD nonproliferation, small arms control, theatre missile defense, maritime rescue, defense reform, civil emergencies, and new security threats. In February, the heads of the NATO Military Committee and the Russian General Staff opened a direct communications hotline in their latest endeavor to promote mutual transparency and collaboration.
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