NATO summit – everything you need to know about the summit
Washington, D.C.
United States President Joe Biden is anchoring a crucial NATO summit in Washington, D.C.
The alliance members from across the globe converged to deliberate high stakes security matters and alliance approach to a quickly deteriorating security situation in the world.
The summit is coming in a time United States is posed with the question of Russian aggression and Chinese aggression. The two countries have forged alliances to advance rogue policies in Ukraine and Taiwan, respectively.
The summit is tasked with finding solutions to the numerous problems facing the world, and the emerging economic alliances spearheaded by Russia and China aimed to rival NATO members states.
1. **Strengthening Collective Defense**: Geopolitical tensions are at its peak, with focus on Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, Article 5 of the NATO Treaty is expectedto be of maximum importance, as the alliance commitment is needed more than ever in its history.
The response to Article 5 of the alliance treaty is heavily focused on improving actions, deploying, and getting ahead in response capabilities of the alliance. This includes getting ready for defence and strategic attack when needed to continue to preserve deterrence.
Aggressors are attempting to test the strength of the alliance, a case that could lead to World War III. So, deterrence measures must strategically improve
2. **Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies**: Emerging acceleration at unusual frequency and the complexity of dangerous cyber-attacks seen from Russia and other non-members demands unparalleled investment in cybersecurity to combat cyber threats and more.
There have to be discussions on the joint effort to improve and meet the demands of increasing cybersecurity threats across the globe. Cyber defence is a priority so as to protect all the infrastructures that are critical to the alliance.
Artificial intelligence is posing a significant threat to cyber security and humanity as well. Jobs are going extinct, with a few people in one room taking over jobs across the globe. Artificial intelligence will be discussed to know how best to address emerging technologies of autonomous weapons.
3. **Energy Security**: Energy security has the ability to negatively and positively impact national security. The war in Russia coupled with sanctions on energy exporting countries has caused significant disruption to the chain of supply.
The alliance will discuss alternatives and try to find other ways to make up for the disruptions. Energy infrastructural improvements among member states will be a significant issue.
4. **Climate Change and Security**: Climate change is still a disputed matter, with many alliance members not taking into consideration the consequences of climate change.
NATO will endeavour to discuss the impact of climate change on our world. Our immediate environment will be considered and planning on how climate change can be combated on the list. Member states will get the essential assistance needed to build climate-resilient infrastructure.
5. **Partnerships and Global Stability**:
Russia and China are tremendously expanding partnerships with countries thar are neutral, with the sole aim to challenge the dominance of NATO. The alliance between the two poses transnational security threats.
NATO is therefore expected to discuss the strategies to get member states involved in its dealings and to maintain cordial or friendly relationships.
Corporation with Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East is crucial to deter the scavenging of Russia and China.
This year’s summit marks a significant turn up, with member states understanding that the task and challenges the alliance faces now in the increasing hostile world need everyone together.
Of the 31 member countries, main attendees include NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron
The presence of the major leaders in this year’s summit underscores the imperativeness to address the shared security needs of the alliance.
The alliance is strategic to peace in the world, and with rogue states and dictators rising dangerously, the task becomes even massive and critical for NATO.
**Biden’s Address and U.S. Leadership**
Joe Biden spoke crudely against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, vowing that the alliance would do everything possible to stop Putin in his stride.
He underscored the critical importance of NATO to global security. Saying that NATO is the only line of defence for a free world challenged by dictatorship.
He also declared that the United States will continue to support NATO and provide it with everything it needs to continue to underscore United States’ commitment to the alliance.
He urged for ironclad cooperation and partnership to enable the alliance to sail through this perilous time. He urged all to show unwavering commitment with defence spending budget.
He also noted that NATO can not succeed without the commitment of its member states.
It is expected that conclusions will be made on the position of NATO in regard to the war going on in Ukraine. Whether NATO will send troops or increase military aides. They would also reach conclusions on the best way to stop Putin’s soldiers in Ukraine.
The alliance is also expected to discuss China and the options to increase deterrence as China has sworn to invade Taiwan.
New members admission is expected to be finalised, with Ukraine on a waiting list. Although Ukraine has been placed on hold until the war, its fighting with Russia is over, and there is commitment that it would be admitted against Putin’s demand.
The summit in Washington, D.C., is coming at a critical time. A time NATO must navigate through a rough and tough security situation.
There have been mentions of World War III, and discussions and concessions in this summit will a go a long way to determine what becomes of the world in no distant time.
China is listening. Russia is keeping close tab. There is a challenge before the world’s highest security bloc. Actions and inactions by NATO will shape world politics in months and years to come.
For everything discussed by NATO, an election in the US could change everything. In November, President Joe Biden will go for reelection, and his bid is hanging in a balance with Donald Trump leading in polls so far.
Donald Trump has a rough relationship with NATO, often critical of the alliance, and blames it for milking the United States.
While the coast is clear yet, the November election could change approach.
