Threats
‘Obsolete’ NATO Force Presence in Baltics Needs Upgrade, Estonian Defense Leader Says
“It’s a joke” that Russia would be deterred by a battalion, secretary says.
Policy
‘No Way to Say’ When Turkey Will Release Hold on Sweden, Finland, Says NATO’s Stoltenberg
With Madrid deadline looming, “the progress is maybe just the fact that we have open lines” of communication, Finland’s president said.
Policy
In Asia, Defense Ministers Issue New Warnings to China
“Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” Japan’s prime minister said at this year’s feistier-than-usual Shangri-La Dialogue.
Ideas
Sweden’s NATO Bid Is in Trouble
Domestic politics have elevated a Kurdish parliamentarian, and that worsens Stockholm’s Turkey woes.
Threats
What the West Has Given Is Not Enough to Win, Ukraine Says
Central and Eastern European defense ministers say limited arms packages will not defeat Russia in the Donbas or deter invasion elsewhere.
Policy
NATO’s Next Strategic Concept Will Add China’s Threats, US Ambassador Says
The document is to be unveiled at next month’s summit, where Russia and potential members will also be on the agenda.
Threats
Finland, Sweden Would Contribute Militarily to NATO on ‘Day One,’ General Says
Alliance applicants would bring expertise in deterring Russia and advanced naval capabilities in the Baltic Sea.
Ideas
NATO Must Contest Russian Moves in Its Southern Underbelly
Putin sees the east and south as key to pushing back the Western alliance’s influence.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 101: NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana
Defense One's Patrick Tucker discusses innovation in NATO with the alliance's #2 official.
Ideas
Nuclear vs. Conventional Spending? We Don’t Have that Luxury
The call to boost one at the expense of the other is wrong.
Threats
Pentagon May Give Sweden, Finland More Security Aid
Russia has issued vague threats over the countries' applications to join the alliance.
Ideas
A Swedish Compromise Won’t Solve NATO’s Turkey Problem
As two Nordic nations bid to join, Erdogan’s hostage-taking should force the alliance to reckon with a member that is increasingly a security risk.
Policy
Sweden and Finland’s NATO Membership Coming ‘As Soon as Possible,’ Deputy Secretary General Says
NATO leaders also are expected to bolster the alliance’s eastern flank with new plans at next month’s Madrid summit.
Ideas
Stop Making a Big Deal of NATO’s Next Members
Moscow wants to pretend that admitting Sweden and Finland would represent a far larger military change than it actually is.
Threats
Intel Leaders Predict ‘Stalemate’ in Ukraine Unless Something Changes
Putin’s losses on the battlefield haven’t changed his ultimate goal.
Ideas
The UN Must Do More for Ukraine—and Itself
Russia’s invasion of a sovereign state is also an attack on the basic principle the international body was founded to prevent.
Ideas
Sweden, Finland Gave Up Neutrality a Long Time Ago
Their collective-defense rights as EU members suggest a way forward for Ukraine.
Threats
US Looks to Shift Ukraine from Soviet to NATO Weapons
“It would just be easier if we were using similar systems,” said one expert, as U.S. officials mull long–term efforts to resupply Ukraine’s arsenal.
Policy
NATO Membership for Sweden Would Be ‘A Small Step For The Military, But A Giant Leap For The Political System’
It would be just a “technical step” for the militaries to formally join, a Swedish military official said.
Ideas