Alliance maintains its focus on Russia, but for the first time expresses concern over Beijing's actions

NATO had begun 2020 in the spirit of leaving behind the internal problems of its particular annus horribilis - a 2019 in which the organization had reached "brain death", according to French President Emmanuel Macron - but the absence of global normality due to the coronavirus crisis is making it difficult to fully put on internship what was agreed at the London Summit, held last December to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Alliance. Precisely, the London Declaration expressed concern about China's actions on issues such as 5G.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] member countries.

March 31, 2020

article / Jairo Císcar

NATO Summits bring together the Heads of State and/or Government of the member countries and serve to take strategic decisions at the highest level, such as the launching of new policies (e.g. the New Strategic Concept at the Lisbon Summit 2010) on internship , the introduction of new members into the Alliance (Istanbul Summit 2004, with seven new members), or the advertisement of major initiatives, as was done at the Newport Summit 2014, where the core coalition of what would later become the International Coalition against the Islamic State was announced.

The London Summit took place on December 3 and 4 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Alliance, which had its first headquarters in the British capital. At the work meetings, attended by all 29 member states, the focus was on three main issues: (a) the continuing tension-distension between Washington and Paris; (b) the economic issue, both the trade war between the European and US defense industry and the defense investment of member countries; and (c) the management of an increasingly fractious Turkey.

a) With regard to the Washington-Paris dispute, we witnessed a new chapter in the two ways of understanding the Atlantic Alliance on the part of two of the countries most committed to it. While the US continues to insist on the importance of focusing the Alliance's efforts on an Eastern axis (against Russia and Middle Eastern jihadism), France wants NATO's strategic axis to be centered in the South, in the African Sahel. This is a vision shared and supported by Spain, which participates in several missions on African soil such as EUTM-Mali or the Ivory Detachment in Senegal (which provides strategic transport in the area to the countries participating in AFISMA and especially to France). For Southern Europe, the greatest threat is the jihadist one, and it has its center of gravity in Africa. This is what Macron made known.

b) The economic issue remains fundamental, and was addressed at the Summit. Since the 2014 Newport Summit, in which the 29 members agreed to direct their efforts to increase the expense in Defense to reach at least 2% of GDP, only nine have achieved the goal (Spain is at the tail end, surpassing with a derisory 0.92% only Luxembourg). The United States, at the forefront of Defense investment within NATO, contributes 22% of the entire budget. The Trump Administration not only wants this increase so that the Alliance has larger, more prepared and modernized armies, but also frames the increase in an ambitious commercial strategy, with the F-35 "Lightning" as the main product. As an example, Poland: after reaching the required 2%, this country announced the purchase of 35 F-35s and their software and technical support for $6.5 billion. In this way, the US was able to cope with the losses caused by the breakup of agreement with Turkey after the Ottomans acquired the Russian S-400 system. With this acquisition, Poland jo ins the club of seven other NATO members with this aircraft, facing the commercial offensive of the European producer bloc to continue selling "Eurofighter" packages and, especially, the recent Future Combat Air System (led by Airbus and Dassault), of which Spain is a member. Europe wants to create a strong Defense Industry community for reasons of self-sufficiency and to compete in the markets against the US industry, so we are facing a "mini" trade war between allied countries.

c) Regarding Turkey, the most uncomfortable member of NATO, there was a clear negative feeling. It is an unreliable ally, which is attacking other allies in Operation Inherent Resolve such as the Kurdish militias, considered terrorists by the Ankara government. Hovering over the leaders present in London was the fear of a possible invocation of article 5 of the Washington Treaty by Turkey calling for active confrontation in Syria. NATO does not have much choice, for if it does not stand up to Erdogan it would be pushing him all the way into the Russian orbit.

London Declaration

The summit's final statement showed a change of focus within the Alliance: until now, Russia was the main concern and, while it remains a priority, China is taking its place. The Declaration can be divided into three blocks.

1) The first block functions as an emergency stopgap, with the aim of satisfying the most discordant voices and creating a picture of apparent seamless union. In its first point, the member states reaffirm the commitment of all countries to the common values they share, citing democracy, individual freedom, human rights and the rule of law. As a gesture to Turkey, article 5 is mentioned as the cornerstone of the North Atlantic Treaty. It is clear that, at least in the short-medium term, Western countries want to keep Turkey as partner, being willing to compromise in small gestures.

Further on, the Alliance insists on the need to "continue to strengthen the capabilities, both of member states and collectively, to resist all forms of attack". With regard to goal of the 2%, paramount for the US and the top spending states, it is stated that good progress is being made, but that "more must and will be done".

2) The next block enters subject purely strategic and less political. The Alliance notes that the current international system is under attack by state and non-state actors. It highlights the threat posed by Russia to the Eurasian region and introduces irregular immigration as source of instability.

With regard to this stabilization, the Alliance's main guidelines will be to secure a long-term presence in Afghanistan, a stronger partnership with the UN, as well as direct NATO-EU partnership . The Alliance wants to increase its presence worldwide, as well as its work at all levels. sample of this is the forthcoming accession of North Macedonia as the 30th member of the Alliance, sending a clear message to Russia that there is no place in Europe for its influence.

Clearly, for NATO we find ourselves in 4th generation conflicts, with the use of cyber and hybrid warfare. The commitment to 360° security within the Alliance is mentioned. The Alliance is aware of the changing reality of the battlefield and the international arena, and sample its commitment to adapt and update its capabilities.

3) As a third block, for the first time China is mentioned directly as an issue requiring joint decisions. The leadership that China is assuming in the field of communications and internet, especially with 5G technology, is of deep concern in the Atlanticist bosom. In an operating environment where cyberwarfare and hybrid warfare will change the way we deal with conflict, we want to ensure the resilience of societies that are completely dependent on technology, especially by protecting critical infrastructure (government buildings, hospitals, etc.) and energy security. In London, the importance of developing our own systems so as not to depend on those provided by countries that could use them against consumers was also proclaimed, as well as the need to increase offensive and defensive capabilities in the cyber environment. It was recognized that China's growing influence in the international arena presents both opportunities and risks, and that it is an issue that must be closely and permanently monitored.

The Document ends with a statement of intent: "In times of challenge, we are stronger as an Alliance and our people are more secure. Our togetherness and commitment to each other has guaranteed our freedoms, values and security for 70 years. We act today to ensure that NATO guarantees these freedoms, values and security for generations to come."

Although it was a bittersweet summit, with many disagreements and unfortunate comments, the reality is that, outside of politics, the Alliance is prepared. It is aware of the threats it faces, both internal and external. It knows the reality of today's world and wants to act accordingly, with a greater and more lasting involvement Degree . Although words have often remained on paper, this Declaration and this Summit show an Alliance that, with its particularities, is ready to face the challenges of the 21st century; its old ghosts, such as Russia, and its new threats, such as China.