Political-diplomatic and institutional issues as challenge for NATO’s activities in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war

Abstract

The article analyzes the political-diplomatic and institutional challenges of NATO’s activities in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war since 2014. The authors identify key problem areas of the Alliance’s functioning. Firstly, the institutional dimension, which is embodied in the features of consensus decision-making process within the North Atlantic Council. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, cases of blocking the initiative by individual states (Hungary’s position, issues with the ratification of Sweden’s accession) have intensified, which has become an occasion for a discussion on reforming the existing decision-making procedure. Thus, against the background of the statement of US President D. Trump on criticism of NATO, discussions around the idea of “European strategic autonomy” have intensified. Secondly, the political and diplomatic dimensions in the format of differences between the “old” and “new” NATO members regarding the perception of the threat from the Russian Federation, the issue of supplying weapons to Ukraine and the prospects for its membership are investigated (in positive aspect – the formation of Ukraine-NATO Council). It is stressed on the role of NATO Secretary General in the implementation of the Alliance’s constructive diplomatic dialogue. Thirdly, the strategic dimension – the implementation of NATO’s expansion policy to the East, the adoption of the new 2022 Strategic Concept and the strengthening of the eastern flank. The role of the USA and leading European states in the formation of the Alliance’s common position is characterized. It is determined that a significant role as an indicator of the political unity of the NATO member states is played by the NATO summits, which not only represent a certain common position, but also the strategy for the development of the Alliance.

The authors concluded that despite the consolidation of NATO after 2022 and the institutionalization of cooperation with Ukraine, the principle of consensus and the presence of different national interests remain constraining factors for the Alliance’s effectiveness. The further effectiveness of NATO’s activities will depend on maintaining strategic unity, adapting decision-making mechanisms and developing a coordinated position on future enlargement.