EMERGING from the ashes of World War II, and locked in confrontation with the Soviet-led Communist bloc for over four decades during the Cold War, Nato recently celebrated its 75th birthday in Washington. Yet, rather than bringing long-lasting global stability, the military alliance has, arguably, contributed to instability by maintaining a warlike posture that has threatened other states. For example, while Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine is unjustified, it was Nato’s continuous eastward expansion after the fall of the USSR that set alarm bells ringing in Moscow and put it on a collision course with the West. And if the combative rhetoric that emerged from the Washington summit is any indication, Nato intends to continue throwing its weight around the globe, provoking others to react. The Ukraine-Russia conflict topped the agenda, with Nato promising to deliver billions of euros, including in armament, to Kiev, and assuring the former Soviet state that it was on an “irreversible path” to Nato membership. Russia replied that Nato was intent on “maintaining confrontation”, and that it would “deter” the Atlanticist alliance. China was also used as a punching bag at the summit, with Nato accusing Beijing of being a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s military endeavours. The Chinese foreign minister urged Nato to “stay within its bounds”. Along with Russia and China, the Nato states also listed Iran and North Korea as foes to be confronted.

If the Nato states are serious about maintaining a ‘rules-based’ international order, they must shed their Cold War mentality. Threats and gunboat diplomacy should be shunned, and a new global geopolitical order created on the basis of mutual respect, beneficial and sustainable trade, as well as human development. Warmongering and neo-imperial rhetoric will win Nato few friends in a changed world. Instead of promoting forever wars, the common security of all states must be emphasised, and negotiated settlements to outstanding disputes prioritised. If the Russian invasion of Ukraine is to be censured — and it should — then the decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and the ongoing genocidal violence in Gaza, must be shunned with equal vigour. The ball is, frankly, in Nato’s court. The Western alliance can either choose to sort out its conflicts with Russia, China and other adversaries peacefully, or prepare for an era of open-ended confrontation.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2024