NATO Summit 2023: the focus of the objectives

 

The focus points of "Deterrence and Defence, Support for Ukraine, Defence Investment, Strategic Partnerships, Changing Security Challenges, and NATO’s United Strength" are key areas of emphasis that are expected to influence decisions made at the summit.

• Deterrence and Defence: This pertains to the strategies and measures employed by NATO to deter potential adversaries and ensure the collective defense of its member states. It involves maintaining a credible and robust defense posture, including military capabilities, infrastructure, and the readiness to respond effectively to any threats or aggression.
• Support for Ukraine: This refers to NATO's commitment to providing assistance and backing to Ukraine, a non-NATO member, in the face of security challenges. It may involve political support, economic aid, capacity building, and other forms of assistance to help Ukraine enhance its security and stability.
• Defence Investment: This relates to the collective commitment of NATO member states to invest in defense capabilities, military modernization, and research and development. It emphasizes the importance of adequate defense spending by member countries to ensure the alliance's effectiveness and readiness in the face of evolving security constraints.
• Strategic Partnerships: NATO seeks to establish and strengthen partnerships with non-member countries and organizations to promote security cooperation and address common challenges.
• Changing Security Challenges: It recognizes that the security environment is dynamic and constantly evolving. NATO needs to adapt its strategies and capabilities to address emerging challenges, such as hybrid warfare, cyber threats,  terrorism, disinformation campaigns, and regional instabilities. It involves identifying and responding to new security risks effectively.
• NATO's United Strength: This refers to the overarching principle that NATO member states are stronger when they act collectively and in unity. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity, cohesion, and shared responsibility among member countries in upholding the alliance's values, defending common interests, and promoting stability and security.

These focus points demonstrate the key themes and priorities that are expected to shape decisions and actions taken by NATO member states during the summit. They highlight the alliance's commitment to maintaining deterrence and defense capabilities, supporting partners, investing in defense, adapting to evolving security challenges, and harnessing the strength of unity among member nations.

 

Collective Defense and NATO as an Alliance

The significance of redefining the concept of Collective Defense has been emphasized due to the influence of new information and communication technologies, industrial advances, and hybrid international threats. These factors have necessitated the adaptation of Collective Defense to a new understanding of security. In the context of the 21st century, several developments contribute to a more complex security landscape.

Firstly, the emergence of new common spaces, such as cyberspace, has become a critical domain for potential threats and attacks. The interconnectedness of modern societies through information and communication technologies has created vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. This requires a reevaluation of traditional notions of defense and the inclusion of cyber threats in the concept of security.

Secondly, the presence of new actors on the international level has further complicated the security environment. These actors may include non-state entities, transnational organizations, or private entities with significant influence. Their involvement in international affairs adds layers of complexity and necessitates a broader understanding of security beyond traditional state-centric approaches.

Lastly, the creation of new weapons capable of chemical and biological destruction poses additional challenges. The development and potential use of these weapons raise concerns regarding the parameters of an "armed attack" and the appropriate response strategies. As such, the concept of security needs to encompass these new threats and adapt accordingly.

European Security and NATO Summit 2023

During the Madrid Summit of 2022, a new concept was introduced to address the era of strategic competition, which highlighted the collective perception of Russia as the primary and direct threat to the security of NATO allies. This acknowledgment marked a significant shift in the alliance's assessment of the geopolitical landscape. Notably, for the first time, the summit recognized the inclusion of China as a factor that poses challenges to the security, interests, and values of NATO member states. By acknowledging the evolving dynamics of global power dynamics, the summit underscored the need for NATO to adapt its strategies and policies to effectively respond to the multifaceted security concerns posed by both Russia and China.

According to the Madrid Summit agreements, the implementation of the new NATO Force Model signifies a robust effort by NATO to reinforce and modernize its force structure, enabling the maintenance of up to 300,000 highly prepared troops. The Secretary-General of NATO proclaimed this development as the most extensive reformation of collective defense and deterrence since the end of the Cold War. In light of the evolving security landscape, the transatlantic military alliance is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the defense capabilities of its eastern member states by embracing a fresh approach to safeguarding their interests.

After 26 years of operation, the NATO-Ukraine Commission appeared to have reached the limits of its effectiveness. NATO's involvement in the commission was confined to offering non-lethal equipment and technical assistance, often with limited financial resources. Any provisions of arms and training of troops occurred outside the formal framework of NATO, thereby exceeding the scope of the NATO-Ukraine Commission's mandate and falling under the purview of a "coalition of the willing." The state of affairs indicated that the commission's capacity to address Ukraine's security needs within NATO's official structures had become constrained, leading to alternative approaches for fulfilling Ukraine's defense requirements.

During this summit, NATO leaders made the decision to abolish the Membership Action Plan (MAP), which was a multi-year program that Ukraine was expected to complete before becoming eligible for a formal invitation to NATO membership. The Vilnius summit, held on July 12, determined the elevation of the existing NATO-Ukraine Commission (1997–2023) to a higher status as the NATO-Ukraine Council. The structure and frequency of meetings within the council, including those at the levels of state leaders, ministers, and ambassadors, appear to resemble the previous commission's design. However, the specific mandate of the new council is currently expressed in broad terms, as it is still in its initial stage of development.

According to political scientist John Mearsheimer, there is an assertion that the Western powers would be inclined to endorse a state of frozen conflict in Ukraine rather than granting it NATO membership. Mearsheimer also suggests that when major powers experience feelings of insecurity and vulnerability, their responses tend to manifest in unpredictable and potentially aggressive manners.

The most significant unexpected development during the summit was President Erdogan of Turkey reversing his previous opposition to Sweden's membership of NATO. This decision garnered significant media attention. However, what has received comparatively less recognition are the additional measures taken by Erdogan that, when considered together, indicate a temporary departure from his accommodating stance towards Moscow. It is worth noting that Turkey seeks certain concessions in return, namely the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets and potential membership in the European Union (EU). This strategic realignment by Erdogan, following his successful election victory, reflects a shift towards a more pro-Western orientation.

As a further examination of United States foreign policy from World War II onwards, extending into the post-Cold War period, a profound aversion among American policymakers towards continental middle powers becomes evident. This ward is characterized by a two-fold approach aimed at suppressing Moscow's influence, while simultaneously undermining Europe's significance as a major geopolitical player and preventing its resurgence as a self-sustained and influential alliance. The security landscape in Europe, particularly in relation to NATO's role, has undergone a notable transition from a lesser degree of securitization to a heightened emphasis on securitization dynamics.

Conclusion

The primary focus of the NATO Summit 2023 objectives lies in deterrence and defense. In this regard, the Defense Investment Pledge, which received endorsement in 2014, requires participating Allies to adhere to specific guidelines. These guidelines entail allocating 2% of their GDP towards defense spending and dedicating 20% of their annual defense expenditure to the acquisition of significant new equipment by the year 2024. The military budget assumes a critical role in bolstering and improving NATO's deterrence and defense posture, while simultaneously facilitating interoperability among the member nations within the Alliance.

The funding for the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) is provided by the ministries of defense of each NATO member, and its execution is supervised by the Investment Committee. The primary objective of the NSIP is to provide support and make contributions toward deterrence, defense, and overall security.

The evolving dynamics of geopolitical orders present a central challenge for NATO member states as they seek to redefine their positions within the global political landscape. Additionally, NATO exhibits a reluctance to pursue peaceful resolutions in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, thereby impacting not only middle-income countries but also the international economy at large. Furthermore, NATO faces limitations in terms of defense expenditures allocated by member countries and the internal priorities they prioritize.