NATO

NATO has been the cornerstone of transatlantic security, uniting 32 democracies across North America and Europe. Originally established to deter Soviet aggression, the alliance now defends its members against conventional threats and engages in peacekeeping and crisis management amid a dramatically altered security landscape—most notably shaped by Russia’s war against Ukraine. CSIS analysis explores how NATO successfully maintains close cooperation with partner nations worldwide and how the strategy of the alliance can evolve to reflect changing geopolitical norms in its principles, operations, and efficacy.

Photo: ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images

Thresholds of Survival: The Resistance in Occupied Ukraine

Ukrainian citizens continue their efforts to resist and undermine Russia's aggressive efforts to consolidate control over the occupied territories in Ukraine's southern and eastern regions.

Report by Jade McGlynn — January 14, 2026

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Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Benjamin Jensen

Benjamin Jensen

Director, Futures Lab and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Jerry McGinn

Jerry McGinn

Director, Center for the Industrial Base and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Yasir Atalan

Yasir Atalan

Deputy Director and Data Fellow, Futures Lab, Defense and Security Department

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Transatlantic Relations Under Trump: An Uneasy Peace

President Trump’s transactional stance and skepticism toward Europe has shocked transatlantic ties linking trade, security, and Ukraine. Europe has been cautious, but looming fights over defense, tech, and trade could rupture the relationship.

Commentary by Max Bergmann — October 6, 2025

Defense Budgets in an Uncertain Security Environment

Uncertainty in the current global security environment since the start of the Ukraine war has increased global defense spending as states perceive themselves to be at greater risk. But political and fiscal realities will also shape future defense spending levels.

Commentary by Seamus P. Daniels — September 16, 2025

Russia’s Massed Strikes: The Strategy of Coercion by Salvo

Moscow calibrates the scale and tempo of its strikes depending on the political environment. Russia sought to avoid dominating international headlines with massive salvos while talks were underway. Once the talks concluded, however, Russia quickly resumed large-scale operations.

Critical Questions by Benjamin Jensen and Yasir Atalan — September 9, 2025

How to Defend Ukraine’s Skies During Peace Negotiations

How many aircraft are needed to secure Ukraine’s airspace during a ceasefire? As history shows, deterrence requires strength. This analysis examines the force posture necessary to uphold stability and prevent Russian provocation.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen, Mark Montgomery, and Jose M. Macias III — August 20, 2025

U.S.-UK Strategic Cooperation

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on recent developments in U.S.-UK strategic cooperation. 

Event — July 30, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

NATO’s “Brain-Dead” Summit

CSIS’s Max Bergmann, director of the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, joins the podcast to discuss what really happened at the NATO summit and how defense spending will impact European economies going forward.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Max Bergmann — June 30, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

NATO’s “Brain Death” in The Hague

At the 2025 NATO Summit, allies pledged to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. But spending targets alone ignore deeper issues. Europe must shift its focus to building capable, integrated militaries that can operate independently of U.S. support.

Commentary by Max Bergmann — June 25, 2025