NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) | Council on Foreign Relations

NATO will strengthen its partnership with Ukraine at its upcoming Vilnius summit, but the failed coup in Russia could add to divisions over membership.

In Brief by Stephen Sestanovich Jun 27, 2023

If Russia Goes Nuclear: Three Scenarios for the Ukraine War

The odds remain slim, but an increasingly desperate Vladimir Putin could use Russia’s nuclear arsenal to turn its fortunes in the Ukraine war.

Article by J. Andrés Gannon Nov 9, 2022

For Europe, Time to Plan for a Post-Putin Russia

The short-lived Wagner Group revolt highlighted for Europeans the fragility of Vladimir Putin’s regime and their own vulnerability to an unstable Russia.

In Brief by Liana Fix Jun 28, 2023

Ukraine

What Does Putin Really Want in Ukraine?

Russia’s early setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine may have foreclosed on some of President Vladimir Putin’s sweeping war objectives, but he is unlikely to relent given the conflict’s momentum.

Expert Brief by Thomas Graham May 16, 2024
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

NATO: Seventy-Five Years Later

This year NATO celebrates seventy-five years of collective defense, expanding from twelve founding members in 1949 to thirty-two today. Panelists discuss the evolution of NATO as it has sought to adapt to geopolitical shifts throughout the years, the challenges it faces in responding to global threats today, and the role of NATO in the future. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this hybrid meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Virtual Event by Rose E. Gottemoeller, Matthias Matthijs , Alexander R. Vershbow and Mary Sarotte April 24, 2024 Europe Program
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

What Is NATO?

The alliance is bolstering its military deterrent in Europe amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has expanded to include Finland and Sweden.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters March 18, 2024

Experts in this Keyword

Liana Fix

Fellow for Europe

Charles A. Kupchan

Senior Fellow

Matthias Matthijs

Senior Fellow for Europe

Ukraine

What It Takes to Fly the F-16: Challenges for Ukraine

The advanced U.S. fighter aircraft will mark a significant upgrade to Ukraine’s air force, but their impact on the war with Russia will hinge on several factors.

Expert Brief by Kristen D. Thompson March 5, 2024
Ukraine

Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow

Ukraine has shown resilience and perseverance despite facing multiple challenges and Russian interference since it achieved independence in 1991. Russia’s threats have culminated in the annexation of Crimea and Europe’s biggest land battle in eighty years.

Timeline by CFR.org Editors February 23, 2024
Russia

Screening and Discussion of "Putin vs The West: At War"

Putin vs The West, a three-part series produced by Brook Lapping, tells the inside story of how the West has struggled to deal with Vladimir Putin, told by the presidents and prime ministers who worked and fought against the Russian leader. As we enter year three of the Russia-Ukraine war, CFR will be screening the first episode of Putin vs The West: At War, followed by a discussion on what to expect next.

Event with Fiona Hill, Tim Stirzaker, Dara G. Massicot, Serge Schmemann and Norma Percy February 21, 2024
Ukraine

A Resilient Ukraine Faces Defeat if U.S. Aid Falters

A failure by the United States to continue military aid to Ukraine would spell disaster for Ukraine and its Western allies while emboldening Russia and other potential aggressors.

In Brief by Max Boot February 17, 2024
Chile

Chile’s Inferno, NATO Ramps Up Security Exercises, Indonesia’s Presidential Election, and More

Chile works to recover from the devastating wildfire in its central Valparaíso region; the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continues with its 2024 Steadfast Defender exercise, the largest since the Cold War, while uncertainty over members’ commitment grows; Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, holds vast general elections; and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attempts to reach a deal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and hostage release.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins February 8, 2024 The World Next Week
United States

Election 2024: Is NATO on the Ballot in 2024?

Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: The 2024 election has potentially significant implications for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay January 26, 2024 The Water's Edge
United States

Ten Anniversaries to Note in 2024

As 2023 comes to a close, here are ten notable historical anniversaries to mark in 2024.

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay December 1, 2023 The Water's Edge
Russia

Russia’s Influence in the Balkans

The Balkans have long been a source of tension between Russia and the West, with Moscow cultivating allies there as the EU and NATO expand into the region. The war in Ukraine could be shifting the calculus.

Backgrounder by James McBride November 21, 2023
Russia

How Firm Is Vladimir Putin’s Grip on Power?

President Vladimir Putin appears to be in firm control of Russia today, but in order to maintain it in the years ahead, he will have to manage at least three primary challenges.

In Brief by Thomas Graham October 2, 2023 Europe Program
Belarus

The Belarus-Russia Alliance: An Axis of Autocracy in Eastern Europe

Russia has renewed its long-stalled push for unification with Belarus, using the country as a launchpad for its war against Ukraine and a hardening bulwark against NATO rivals to the west.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters September 27, 2023
Ukraine

What Ukraine Needs to Win the War Against Russia

If Western allies fail to send Ukraine the weapons it needs, the odds increase of the war dragging on indefinitely, at a terrible cost to both Ukraine and Russia and a growing risk to the wider world.

In Brief by Max Boot September 27, 2023
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture With Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discusses Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the importance of NATO and the transatlantic bond to peace and stability. Inaugurated in 1969, the Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture was named for Russell C. Leffingwell, a charter member of the Council who served as its president from 1944 to 1946 and as its chairman from 1946 to 1953. The lecture is given by distinguished foreign officials, who are invited to address Council members on a topic of major international significance.

Virtual Event by Jens Stoltenberg, Jane Harman and Michael Froman September 21, 2023 Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture