NATO's new strategic concept: Russia is the "most significant and direct threat"

NATO leaders approved the new Strategic Concept on June 29 in Madrid, setting out the Alliance's priorities, core tasks, and approaches for the next decade. The concept defines Russia as the "most significant and direct threat" to the Allies' security, says NATO's newsroom.

The document defines Russia as the "most serious and direct threat" to the Allies' security and peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

The concept says that Russia seeks to establish spheres of influence and direct control through coercion, subversion, aggression, and annexation. Russia uses conventional, cyber, and hybrid means against NATO and partners: "Moscow's military build-up, including in the Baltic, Black, and the Mediterranean Sea regions, along with its military integration with Belarus, challenge our security and interests."

Why is this important?

NATO Strategic Concept is updated roughly every ten years and is NATO's second most important document. It reaffirms the Alliance's values, provides a collective assessment of security challenges, and directs the Alliance's political and military activities. The previous version was approved at the NATO summit in Lisbon in 2010. The new version was adopted amidst a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.