As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Alliance finds itself at a critical juncture. Established primarily as a collective defense organization, NATO has continually adapted to the changing global landscape. From its inception with 12 founding members in 1949 to its current strength of 32 nations in 2024, NATO's mission has evolved far beyond mere defense, incorporating roles in collective security, conflict management, and global partnership building.
This milestone year presents an opportunity to assess NATO’s transformation, especially from the perspective of its frontline states in Central and Eastern Europe. The Central and Eastern European Program (CSEEP) at Jagiellonian University is launching a new project, NATO at 75 - Beyond Defence and Deterrence?, to explore the Alliance's role in shaping Euro-Atlantic security in an increasingly complex world.
Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are to:
- Explore the main directions of NATO’s political and military transformation at its 75th anniversary, with particular attention to the perspectives from the Alliance’s frontline states.
- Analyze NATO’s evolving threat perceptions, especially in the context of Russia’s disinformation strategies and hybrid warfare tactics.
- Assess the impact of NATO’s current transformation on Euro-Atlantic security, highlighting both accomplishments and challenges.
- Develop a comprehensive analytical and recommendation framework, focusing on NATO’s role in Europe, with special emphasis on Central and Eastern European security.
Impact and Outreach
This project seeks to bridge academic research and policy discussions, offering a thorough examination of NATO's current state and its strategic evolution. By engaging experts, policymakers, and the academic community, the initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of NATO’s role in the 21st century. Furthermore, it intends to elevate public awareness regarding the complexity of NATO’s challenges and its implications for both Euro-Atlantic and regional security, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Activities
As part of the NATO at 75 - Beyond Defence and Deterrence? project, the CSEEP at Jagiellonian University has organized a public discussion and an expert seminar Insights from Frontline States and Ukraine’s Role in Shaping the Alliance’s Future (20-21.06.2024). More information here.
Upcoming
The CSEEP at JU in partnership with the LSE IDEAS will host an event titled NATO after the Washington Summit – Challenges and the Way Forward on November 28, 2024. This event will include a keynote address, a public panel discussion, and a closed-door expert seminar, all aimed at exploring the critical outcomes of the NATO Washington Summit and the broader implications for the Alliance's future. More details to come.