What happened?

On 14 June, the 31st formal meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was held in Brussels, Belgium. The summit indicates the opening of a new chapter in trans-Atlantic relations. NATO issued a communique that highlights the aggressive actions by Russia which constitute a ‘threat’ and the growing challenges by China. The other agendas in focus were Climate change, cybersecurity, and the importance of partnership with the European Union.

What is in the background?

First, Biden's approach towards Europe vis-à-vis Trump's. Biden has promised to bring an end to the pandemic and address climate change, which Trump did not. During his visits, Biden emphasized joint cooperation in security and defence, against Trump's idea of making America great again by withdrawing. Through his engagements with Europe in various areas of trade and technology, he is proving that Europe is back at the stage of global diplomacy. He has also managed to address the three important issues: China, COVID, and climate change. 

Second, Biden's coalition on China. The US, along with the G7 countries is planning to counter China's BRI project with the idea of 'build back better world' and global infrastructure partnership. During his visit to Europe, Biden got the consensus of G7 also on addressing China’s military assertiveness.

Third, improving the lines of communication between Russia and the US. A constructive consultation on cybersecurity and the return of the ambassadors to their diplomatic posts were a positive outcome. Both Biden and Putin have agreed to replace the START treaty. 

What does it mean?

NATO recognizes a need to deter the aggression, disruption, and malign influence from Russia today and China tomorrow. The Alliance is much more engaged in growing and preserving stability in the neighboring European regions in which countries are threatened by poor governance, cybersecurity, ethnic and religious conflict, competition for scarce resources, climate change, and various other disruptive factors. The fallout may threaten Western political and economic stability. It may serve the manufacturing of a new cold war with Russia-China as a single unit that intimidates the US and the European countries. Thus, the NATO strategies by trying to numb the economic globalization which leads to dual hegemons in the world order.