NATO – The Diplomat

A NATO Office in Japan: Much Ado About Not Much

Jean-Loup Samaan — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 23:01:00 +0900

Speculations surrounding the impact of the proposed NATO office in Tokyo are wildly overhyped.

Sensing Opportunities, China Weighs Its Diplomatic Options in Europe

Joseph Webster — Tue, 16 May 2023 03:13:00 +0900

Beijing is trying to drive a wedge between the U.S. and Europe, hedging against an unlikely but possible Russian military collapse.

Japan and NATO: An Inevitable Partnership?

James Kaizuka — Mon, 08 May 2023 22:25:00 +0900

Japan may not be located in the North Atlantic, but it and NATO are natural partners with increasingly overlapping interests and with much to offer each other.

NATO’s China Challenge

Michael Trinkwalder — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 21:13:00 +0900

Despite, or rather because of, the Russia-Ukraine War, the West finally appears willing to take on the challenge of a rising China – perhaps even in the Indo-Pacific.

Global NATO Takes Shape Ahead of US-ASEAN Meet

Luke Hunt — Thu, 05 May 2022 15:41:00 +0900

Democracies on the edge in Southeast Asia likely face difficult choices in the years to come.

The Afghan Interpreters Turkey Left Behind

Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 23:17:00 +0900

Two months after the Taliban takeover became a reality, interpreters who worked for Turkish forces are still in Afghanistan with no clear exit plan.

Will Turkey Keep Providing Security for the Afghan Capital’s Airport?

Catherine Putz — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:15:00 +0900

After NATO withdrawals, Ankara may continue to provide security for Hamid Karzai International Airport, but only if certain conditions are met.

How Can India Cooperate With NATO?

Krzysztof Iwanek — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 21:45:00 +0900

In its relations with NATO, New Delhi will strive to eat the Chinese cake and keep the Russian one.

NATO Chief Dismisses Early Pullout of Afghan Troop Trainers

Associated Press — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 22:32:00 +0900

"Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions based, and Taliban has to meet their commitments," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

NATO Mulls Afghan Dilemma as US Draws Down, Attacks Mount

Associated Press — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 03:32:00 +0900

But despite the surge in violence, and deep uncertainty caused by the U.S. drawdown, the peace agreement appears to be an opportunity too good for NATO to miss.

German Defense Minister Continues Her Indo-Pacific Campaign

Abhijnan Rej — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:20:00 +0900

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer imagines a larger role for her country in the region, though in prudent terms.

The Trump Administration Must Maintain America’s Indo-Pacific Basing Posture

Melinda Madden — Tue, 19 May 2020 13:54:00 +0900

With Japan, the administration stands to damage relations at precisely the wrong time.

NATO-China Council: Now is the Time

Mercy A. Kuo — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 08:05:00 +0900

Insights from Ian Brzezinski

NATO Needs a China Policy

Helena Legarda and Meia Nouwens — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 23:16:00 +0900

NATO needs a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to deal with an ever-more confident China.

China in US-Poland Relations: Huawei and Geopolitics

Mercy A. Kuo — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:57:00 +0900

Insights from Mariusz Rukat.

US Withdrawal From INF Treaty: Impact on China

Mercy A. Kuo — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 00:32:00 +0900

Insights from Mariusz Rukat.

Can Asia and Europe Make America’s Alliances Great Again?

Tongfi Kim — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 22:50:00 +0900

What can U.S. allies in Asia and Europe do to cope with the risk President Trump presents?

Thinking the Unthinkable: Central Europe at War With North Korea

Tomáš A. Nagy — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 23:30:00 +0900

The “soft” and “light” military capabilities of Central European armies could come in handy if war erupts on the Peninsula.

Regional Security Architectures: Comparing Asia and Europe

Mercy A. Kuo — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 21:12:00 +0900

Insights from Anis Bajrektarevic.

Blast in Kabul's Diplomatic District Kills 85, Injures 400

Catherine Putz — Wed, 31 May 2017 22:57:00 +0900

Taliban denies involvement in the attack, which mostly killed civilians commuting.

China, Russia, and the Long ‘Unipolar Moment’ Revisited

Nathan A. Sears — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 00:29:00 +0900

A year later, does the argument of reinforced U.S. hegemony hold up?

India and NATO: Partners in Arms?

Hriday Ch. Sarma — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 06:15:00 +0900

The time is ripe for increased cooperation between India and the U.S.-led alliance.

Is It Time for Nuclear Sharing in East Asia?

Elmar Hellendoorn and Christine M. Leah — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 04:25:00 +0900

The dynamics that generated U.S.-NATO nuclear sharing in Europe in the late 1950s seem to be emerging in Asia today.

China, Russia, and the Long ‘Unipolar Moment'

Nathan A. Sears — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 03:27:00 +0900

How balancing failures are actually extending U.S. hegemony.

Russia to Arm Attack Submarines With New Long-Range Missile

Franz-Stefan Gady — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:48:00 +0900

The Russian Navy will arm a number of attack submarines with the Kalibr missile.

Russian Sub Combat Patrols Nearly Doubled in 2015

Franz-Stefan Gady — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 06:20:00 +0900

The Russian Navy has significantly increased the number of underwater combat patrols.

Afghanistan Needs Peace -- and Cash

Catherine Putz — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 03:04:00 +0900

Afghanistan desperately needs continued support, which will be decided at two conferences later in 2016.

From Russia with Bullets: Moscow Gifts Kabul 10,000 AK-47s

Catherine Putz — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 23:58:00 +0900

Russia gives Afghanistan 10,000 assault rifles, but abstains from joining American efforts at peace talks.

Russian Submarine Activity at Highest Level Since Cold War

Franz-Stefan Gady — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:55:00 +0900

NATO says Russian submarine activity has returned to Cold War levels. What about the Pacific?

The Limits of Collective Security in Eurasia

Evan Gottesman — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 21:23:00 +0900

Divergent interests in Russia’s dispute with Turkey and Armenia’s conflict with Azerbaijan restrict the CSTO.

NATO Looking to Extend Funding for Afghan Security Forces

Catherine Putz — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 05:08:00 +0900

As the war moves into its 15th year, Afghanistan's stability remains tenuous.

Securing Stability in Afghanistan, the 'Heart of Asia'

Aziz Amin Ahmadzai — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 08:41:00 +0900

The upcoming Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process meeting offers an opportunity for the world to come together on Afghanistan.

Japan Could Work with NATO on Deadly Next-Generation Missile

Ankit Panda — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 06:51:00 +0900

Japan's participation in a NATO missile development consortium could lead to multi-national projects in Asia.

Meet the Russian Politician Who Thinks That 'Tanks Don't Need Visas'

Franz-Stefan Gady — Wed, 27 May 2015 01:47:00 +0900

Dmitry Rogozin believes in speaking loudly and carrying a big stick.

China and Russia Conclude Naval Drill in Mediterranean

Franz-Stefan Gady — Fri, 22 May 2015 05:29:00 +0900

The joint Sino-Russian maritime exercise included live-fire drills, underway replenishment and escort operations.

Ukraine's Geopolitical Spillover Officially Makes it to Afghanistan

Catherine Putz — Wed, 20 May 2015 04:07:00 +0900

Russia's closure of the NDN marks the end of an era.

Ukraine and the Russia-China Axis

James D.J. Brown — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 16:41:00 +0900

Current U.S. policy on the Ukraine crisis is driving Russia into China’s embrace.

Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan Rise by 22 Percent in 2014

Franz-Stefan Gady — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 02:28:00 +0900

More face to face combat is behind a steep rise in conflict-related deaths and injuries among Afghan civilians in 2014.

Terrorist's Laptop Fuels Night Raids in Afghanistan

Franz-Stefan Gady — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 04:32:00 +0900

The data retrieved from a mysterious laptop is responsible for a spike in Afghan and U.S. attacks on the Taliban.

Are We Prepared for 'Hybrid Warfare'?

Prashanth Parameswaran — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 04:05:00 +0900

From Russia in Ukraine to China in the East China Sea, it is worth assessing how the world may respond.

White House to Reconsider Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Franz-Stefan Gady — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 01:36:00 +0900

A White House meeting today will determine whether more troops will stay in the country in 2015.

The White House Releases a New National Security Strategy

Franz-Stefan Gady — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:35:00 +0900

The new document is meant to explain the purpose and promise of American power in the years ahead.

US Military Reverses Decision to Classify Data on Afghan Forces

Franz-Stefan Gady — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 01:13:00 +0900

The US military has performed another U-turn on releasing data on the Afghan National Security Forces.

President Putin of Ukraine?

Greg Austin — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:19:00 +0900

Is it only a question of time before Russia will annex parts of Ukraine?

What To Do About – Or With – Russia?

Walter C. Clemens Jr. — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:16:00 +0900

Each of the options has its own problems.

Afghanistan Hit by Coordinated Multiple Bombings

Ankit Panda — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 06:47:00 +0900

A series of coordinated bombings suggests the Taliban is ramping up its attacks ahead of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

U.S. Should Not Neglect Europe in China Policy

Anthony Chang — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 14:49:00 +0900

Europe still has an important role to play in Washington's policy for East Asia.

Russia and Iran Lock NATO Out of Caspian Sea

Jacopo Dettoni — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:09:00 +0900

A summit earlier this week achieves consensus on the inadmissibility of a foreign military presence in the sea.

So, When Can We Expect a US-Afghanistan Security Agreement?

Ankit Panda — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 15:27:00 +0900

After a year of delay, the U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) will finally be signed.

A Clausewitzian View of NATO

James R. Holmes — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:49:00 +0900

Allies won't help defend nations that refuse to defend themselves.

China May Lose Turkish Missile Defense Contract

Shannon Tiezzi — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 04:04:00 +0900

President Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Turkey was discussing alternate bids for its missile defense system.

Putin Sends Mixed Messages to US and Japan

Clint Richards — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 14:29:00 +0900

Moscow is drawing a line in the sand in Ukraine, while putting negotiations with Tokyo on ice.

US Major General Killed in Green-on-Blue Attack in Afghanistan

Ankit Panda — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:33:00 +0900

The incident is the latest green-on-blue attack in Afghanistan.

Assessing the Taliban's 'Spring Offensive' Threat

Ankit Panda — Fri, 09 May 2014 05:19:00 +0900

The Taliban have announced that their 2014 "spring offensive" will begin imminently.

Why Turkey May Not Buy Chinese Missile Systems After All

Denise Der — Wed, 07 May 2014 23:00:00 +0900

The Chinese bid highlights its emerging capabilities, but may stumble on Western pressure.

Should China Welcome an Asian NATO?

Zachary Keck — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:10:00 +0900

If China is truly concerned about a remilitarized Japan, it should embrace an Asian NATO.

CSTO Looks Away From NATO and Toward SCO

Ankit Panda — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 03:36:00 +0900

The Russia-led military alliance has given up all pretenses of cooperation with NATO and will look toward the SCO.

The Missing Ingredient for an Asian NATO

Robert Farley — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 03:36:00 +0900

An Asian NATO won't be possible for some time without a change in how states conceptualize their security needs.

U.S. Considering Leaving Fewer Than 10,000 Troops in Afghanistan Post-2014

Ankit Panda — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 04:07:00 +0900

Following Afghanistan's elections, the U.S. is considering leaving fewer than 10,000 troops in the country.

Is an Asian NATO Possible?

Zachary Keck — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 05:19:00 +0900

A future NATO-like organization in Asia seems more likely than a European NATO seemed at the end of WWII.

Will Narva Be Russia’s Next Crimea?

Daniel Berman — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 05:34:00 +0900

Estonia would be the perfect battlefield for Russia and Putin to continue the war they began with Georgia in 2008.

Russia in Crimea: When States Act Out of Insecurity

Ankit Panda — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:58:00 +0900

Did Western policymakers in Ukraine forget that security is often the greatest foreign policy motivator?

How Ukraine Spillover Could Complicate the US Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Ankit Panda — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 07:38:00 +0900

Putin has an ace up his sleeve: shutting down the Northern Distribution Network.

The Wrong Debate Over Afghanistan

Daniel R. DePetris — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 06:12:00 +0900

Before discussing troop levels, the Obama administration needs to figure out what U.S. Afghan policy is.

NATO Begins Negotiations With Afghanistan For Post-2014 Security Agreement

Ankit Panda — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 22:33:00 +0900

The proposed NATO agreement with the Afghan government hinges on the completion of the BSA with the United States.

Pakistani Taliban and Tehreek-e-Insaaf On Same Page in Blocking NATO Transport Routes

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 03:11:00 +0900

The Diplomat’s Kiran Nazish reports from Peshawar.

The Politics of China’s Growing Arms Sales

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 00:07:51 +0900

China has been the fastest growing arms major arms exporter in the past decade. Will it continue?

The Case for a Trans-Pacific Naval Partnership

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:15:01 +0900

The U.S. and allies should form a naval counterpart to the TPP to ensure maritime security in the region.

NATO's Mounting Opposition to Turkey’s Chinese Missile System

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 14:26:46 +0900

NATO officials are calling the Chinese system a “virus” and Turkey’s decision a “crazy idea.”

The Creeping Militarization of the Arctic

Abhijit Singh — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 13:41:00 +0900

As stakeholders take increasingly assertive territorial postures, the regional focus turns to security.

5 Questions Canada's Navy Should Ask About Its Pacific Strategy

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 00:13:00 +0900

Savvy strategy is even more important for middleweight powers like Canada than for a great power like the US.

Yes, The US Can Live With Taliban Rule

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:17:48 +0900

While hardly ideal, NATO could secure its basic interests in Afghanistan with the Taliban in Kabul.

Western Defense Companies Face Grim Future

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:11:19 +0900

According to a new report, worldwide defense spending declined in 2012 and the outlook for Western companies is bleak.

Canada Needs a Strategic Rethink

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:22:00 +0900

The Canadian Armed Forces continue to be Atlantic heavy even as Ottawa’s interests are increasingly in the Pacific.

Turkey's SCO Play: Does it Matter?

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:17:19 +0900

“New members could further weaken the organization’s potential to work constructively.”

Should Middle Powers Integrate or Go it Alone?

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:19:46 +0900

Middle powers have an interesting choice when it comes to procurement policies. Robert Farley explains.

The Afghan Army: Taking a Beating

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 03:12:58 +0900

Afghan casualties are on the rise as the United States and NATO shift their mission.

New Year, New Problem? Pakistan's Tactical Nukes

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 08:19:06 +0900

Pakistan is developing a new generation of smaller “tactical” nuclear weapons. The dangers and challenges such arms present are very real.

Peace in Afghanistan: Will Pakistan Play Ball?

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:07:00 +0900

A leaked peace plan sees Pakistan replacing the United States as kingmaker. Can the different sides come together?

Afghanistan's "Green on Blue" Nightmare

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:37:00 +0900

Attacks on coalition troops by members of Afghan security forces endanger partnering programs and point to grave cultural misunderstandings.

China Eyes Afghan Goldmine

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:20:04 +0900

As NATO withdraws from Afghanistan, China is moving in. With over $1 Trillion in natural resources, the stakes are huge.

Why Drone Strikes Cede 'Hearts and Minds' to Taliban

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:22:00 +0900

An incident in Kunar illustrates how NATO’s confused approach to counterinsurgency in Afghanistan is failing to meet its objectives.

Another Blow to Afghan Stability

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:26:24 +0900

Indigenous security forces suffered another setback this month when Parliament ousted two key ministers.

A Forgotten Player in a Post-2014 Afghanistan: Uzbekistan

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:01:00 +0900

Tashkent’s proximity and ties to Afghanistan ensures it will play a central role in its future. The U.S. should enlist its help.

The Crisis of Multilateralism

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:49:00 +0900

The world has many regional institutions that bind nations together. For some, their time and place in global affairs may have passed.

Russia’s 'Shrewd' Central Asia Play

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:00:03 +0900

Daniel Vajdic on how Moscow’s granting NATO access to a key supply facility is part of a careful strategy.

Will Australia Embrace NATO?

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:49:06 +0900

Australia’s ambassador to NATO discusses Australia’s role in Afghanistan and NATO’s future in Asia.

U.S., Pakistan's Differing Goals

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:02:06 +0900

Pakistan still wants a U.S. apology for the deaths of 24 soldiers. But the two nations have very different goals.

NATO to Talk Afghanistan

Sat, 19 May 2012 17:54:12 +0900

Afghanistan is set to top the agenda at the NATO summit in Chicago this week. Is commitment wavering?

Will NATO Look East?

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:25:49 +0900

As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization prepares for its summit, questions remain over its future.

The Blanks in the Afghan Deal

Fri, 04 May 2012 03:45:24 +0900

The strategic partnership agreement between the U.S. and Afghanistan was useful, but leaves many questions.

Can U.S. Get out of Afghanistan?

Joshua Kucera — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:23:00 +0900

The United States faces a number of practical hurdles in getting its forces out of Afghanistan in 2014. But it has found an unlikely ally in its efforts.

Taliban Strikes Across Afghanistan

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:22:12 +0900

The Taliban launches a series of coordinated attacks in what it says is the start of a spring offensive.

How Russia Plays the Great Game

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:11:09 +0900

Russia is playing a careful balancing game in Central Asia – stirring up worries about the U.S. military presence is just part of the game.

Facebook Attack Hits NATO

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:30:23 +0900

British officials are tricked into revealing personal information by a faked Facebook page of a top NATO official.

Afghanistan's Big Victim: Trust

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:19:53 +0900

The killing at the weekend of 16 civilians by a lone U.S. soldier will have further undermined public trust.