The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. During the next forty years the Alliance provided for mutual defense, the expansion of
democratic ideals and helped create a prosperous, peaceful Europe. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 NATO continued as a viable organization, even expanding into Eastern Europe. But since the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea NATO is facing unprecedented new challenges from an old adversary.
Although Russia lacks a coherent ideology comparable to the Soviet era, it has shown extraordinary success in projecting power and influence. Russia is now able to threaten its former Eastern European allies, even attempting to undermine free elections in the West. Although its economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, Russia manages to rebuild its armed forces and conduct major exercises on the periphery of NATO. Despite all its limitations, Russia today can project power far beyond its means, focusing on critical vulnerabilities in the West. Students will be tasked with answering multiple questions surrounding NATO’s political issues, cyber threats and hybrid and information warfare and will provide a series of policy recommendations, looking ahead to the year 2025. Click HERE to access report.