The Virtues of the Paper Tiger: NATO in a Changing World

The Virtues of the Paper Tiger: NATO in a Changing World

Few international organizations have inspired as many contradictory labels as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). To its critics, it has often appeared as a “paper tiger”—a cumbersome, consensus-bound alliance whose military might is diluted by political caution. To its supporters, however, NATO’s greatest strength lies precisely in those features: restraint, unity, and a shared … Read more

Why a Strong Germany Is Good News

Why a Strong Germany Is Good News

The idea of a strong Germany has long triggered unease across Europe and beyond. History casts a long shadow, and memories of the twentieth century still shape instinctive reactions. Yet the geopolitical realities of the twenty-first century demand a more nuanced—and ultimately more reassuring—assessment. A militarily stronger Germany is not a threat to Europe; it … Read more

What Would a NATO Without the United States Look Like?

What Would a NATO Without the United States Look Like?

Since its founding in 1949, NATO has been inseparable from the leadership, resources, and strategic vision of the United States. The Alliance was born in the early days of the Cold War as a collective defense pact aimed at deterring the expansion of the Soviet Union. From the outset, the United States functioned as the core pillar—militarily, politically, … Read more

Europe Under a Shared Nuclear Umbrella: Strategic Autonomy and Transatlantic Complementarity

Europe Under a Shared Nuclear Umbrella: Strategic Autonomy and Transatlantic Complementarity

In recent years, the debate over Europe’s strategic autonomy has intensified, driven by geopolitical instability, the war in Ukraine, and shifting global power dynamics. Among the most significant proposals emerging from this discussion is the initiative promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron to extend France’s nuclear deterrence umbrella to cover European partners. The proposal has … Read more