Trends and Threats. NATO in the 21st Century

When NATO heads of state and government met in Wales early in September 2014, the agenda had changed dramatically since the initial preparations for the Summit began.

The Russian intervention in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea has confronted NATO, its allies and partners with a whole new set of strategic challenges and a significantly changed European security order. The crisis has demonstrated that, although engaged outside Europe, NATO will need to remain committed to maintaining European security. The deterrence measures of the Alliance will not, however, resemble those of the Cold War. A new agenda of Cyber warfare, energy security and deterrence of ‘special warfare’ will dominate the Alliance for years to come.

With contributions from Danish and international scholars, the aim of the report is to chart how the Alliance is shaped by threats and trends today and in the years to come.

The report is the outcome of a seminar held by Centre for Military Studies in Copenhagen, summer 2014. A group of NATO experts was invited to publicly discuss the trends and threats currently confronting the Alliance. The report summarizes the key points made in the presentations at the conference in order to stipulate and promote the continued debate about the trends and threats that will shape NATO in the future.