NATO gets set to officially mark its 75th anniversary tomorrow. The alliance was founded in the wake of World War II to face off against the threat of the Soviet Union, largely with Germany playing a reduced role. Now with Russia practically waging war on NATO's doorstep, Berlin's partners say that's something that has to change.

Brussels

NATO is poised to commemorate its 75th anniversary, marking nearly eight decades since its inception following World War II. The alliance was initially established to counter the Soviet Union's threat, with Germany assigned a diminished role during that period. In light of Russia's aggressive actions near NATO territories, member countries are advocating for a shift in Germany's stance within the alliance.

The evolution of NATO's purpose and strategic positioning is highlighted by the current geopolitical challenges it faces, including the heightened tensions with Russia. The discussions and decisions made by NATO members about Germany's role reflect an ongoing adaptation to the complex and changing nature of global security dynamics.



How NATO's 75 year history informs its future

NATO's first secretary-general, Lord Ismay, famously said the alliance was created in 1949 to keep the Soviets out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Seventy-five years later, the dozen original members have added 20 more. They're still focused on keeping Russia out, as it wages a war at the borders of the alliance, and the Americans in, as essential guarantors of Europe's security. But the original desire to keep Germany down is long gone, and some observers accuse Berlin of using history as an excuse to underperform in military spending and readiness. Being down after the end of the Cold War really became the thing, and it meant free riding. And what you can see now is an increasing number of countries ganging up on Germany, and rightly so, because they've got the memo, they've understood what needs to be done, that point and that purpose, and how to do it. And until Berlin gets there, though, we won't see the necessary unity in Europe to actually achieve that goal. That message, that any crack in NATO cohesion or capabilities could encourage Kremlin aggression, is regularly reiterated by frontline allies feeling more vulnerable since Moscow launched full-scale war on Ukraine in 2022. Countries like Estonia, where it's not just the 75th anniversary of NATO's founding after World War II, but also of the brutal Soviet exile of thousands of citizens. My mother was deported on her 15th birthday on 24th of March, 1949. My father's family had a farm on the island that was hit by a German bomb in 1941. So perfect example of how it feels to be caught in the middle. These days, the middle for European allies may feel like it's between Moscow and Washington due to concern about declining US support for transatlantic ties, especially ahead of November elections, that could bring the anti-NATO Donald Trump back to power. The first Trump term, of course, was not an easy time either, but at that time you could still hope that Russia has also staked in its relationship with the West and that has a moderating effect on its behavior. Now that is no longer the case. I decided to conduct a special military operation. Is that what we hoped for when the Berlin Wall came down? Clearly not. Jamie Shea saw plenty of anniversaries in almost four decades at NATO, his last post dealing with emerging security challenges. To be fit for future birthdays, Shea says, the alliance needs to also see beyond Russia. Allies face other forms of threat, and if NATO doesn't help them deal with those other kinds of threat, whether it be climate change or cyber attacks or critical infrastructure protection or whatever, it will be less relevant in those particular capitals. For almost 75 years, this great alliance has shielded our nations. This anniversary, though, amid all the praise for NATO's longevity, there's broad agreement that the best way the alliance can defend itself against future Russian advances is ensuring there's a Russian retreat now in Ukraine.

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