NATO’s Contribution to a Europe Whole and Free

It is regrettable that the West’s relationship with Russia has turned dangerous and competitive, but the phase of mourning the deterioration of NATO-Russia relations is over. NATO now has to face the new security environment imposed by Russia and focus more on deterrence and defense. The West cannot afford to stand idly by. Inaction would be interpreted by the Kremlin as an open invitation for Russia to continue its assertive policies toward NATO members and partners—in the Baltics, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen is the founder and chairman of Rasmussen Global. He is a former prime minister of Denmark and a former secretary general of NATO.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: NATO - Russia Council, Brussels, 20 April 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/nato-russia-council-brussels-20-april-2016/

Sputnik International, 06.05.16: Breaking the Rules: How NATO 'Could Undermine' Founding Act With Russia http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160506/1039170568/russia-nato-relations.html

ESO: Background information: US to step up NATO presence in wake of ‘aggressive Russia’ http://www.europeansources.info/record/us-to-step-up-nato-presence-in-wake-of-aggressive-russia/

---