NATO’s purpose, as first stated by Hastings “Pug” Ismay, has evolved over time. The alliance aims to keep the Soviet Union out and the Americans in, but now, this task is more complex than ever.
As NATO’s 32 members gather in The Hague on June 24th, most agree that keeping Russia out requires keeping the US in. However, this goal is no longer straightforward due to changing global dynamics.
NATO members need a clear plan to boost their defense budgets, which is essential for maintaining stability in Europe. A hard date has been proposed, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.
The alliance must balance the needs of various member states, including Germany, while addressing the growing threat from Russia. The US role in NATO is crucial, and any changes to this relationship could have significant consequences.
NATO’s 2024 summit provides an opportunity for leaders to re-evaluate their priorities and develop a new strategy to address emerging security challenges.
Source: https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/06/19/to-keep-russia-out-and-america-in-nato-must-spend-more