The Alliance is the main geopolitical tool of the United States in Europe. The main task of NATO is to ensure the domination of the US in the region. In exchange for the geopolitical loyalty of Europe, the US is committed to protecting it from other centers of power, especially Russia. Such protection is contrary to the natural geopolitical interests in continental Europe, meaning, in essence, it’s an occupation. The first NATO Secretary General Hastings 1st Baron Ismay, openly revealed the purpose of NATO: "To keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down".
In 2015, NATO focused on “deflecting the Russian threat." Like 2014, every month in the Balkans and in the Baltic States, large-scale military exercises were carried out under the auspices of "Operation Atlantic Resolve." In all of these manoeuvres, a confrontation against Russia was simulated. Particular attention was paid to the Baltic and Black Seas. Containing Russia has been the long-term task of the Alliance. The military leaders of NATO and the United States have repeatedly named a "Russian threat" in official statements and documents.
Against the background of a confrontation with Russia, NATO has strengthened cooperation with Ukraine and Georgia. While the entry of these countries is complicated due to unresolved territorial conflicts, they are developing military cooperation with NATO against Russia. Another direction of NATO's enlargement is the Balkans. In 2016, the Alliance absorbed Montenegro. The decision of the government led to mass protests in the Balkan country. The next step will be the inclusion of Macedonia, whose entry into NATO is still blocked by Greece.
A relatively new trend, which was actively discussed in 2015, is the inclusion of previously neutral Sweden and Finland in NATO. The anti-Russian subtext of Scandinavian expansion is obvious against the background of the fundamental role in NATO's anti-Russian strategy that is played by the Baltics and Northern Europe. Indicative statements were made by of the Head of Swedish Army General Anders Brännström. Referring to his subordinates on the eve of the exercise, which is scheduled for next week, he urged to prepare for a major war in Europe against an experienced opponent in the next 3 years. Most likely, he meant Russia
Despite the constant training and loud statements, the NATO structure is going through hard times. Loud statements of the late 90’s, stressing the need to go beyond the previous area of responsibility (Europe), did not survive the test of time.
NATO has shown its inefficiency in the operation in Afghanistan, where the alliance failed to achieve any appreciable results. Further evidence of the inefficiency of the Alliance in addressing operational problems is the non-participation of NATO in resolving the Syrian crisis. The US military coalition against ISIS includes some allied states that are outside the NATO structure.
NATO's European countries are initially in unequal positions, prompting Europe to seek ways of building the military structures of the EU. The contradictions between the US and continental Europe, and between NATO members (in conflict are Greece with Turkey, Hungary with Romania and Slovakia) reduces the ability to respond rapidly to challenges and threats. The case of Turkey is exemplar, which has tried to appeal to NATO for help after the incident with the destruction of the Russian jet over Syria. However, they received no serious support because of the negative position of the countries of continental Europe, who decided not to aggravate the already difficult relations with Russia.
Most likely, NATO will focus on Russia's opposition in Europe. The ideas of a global NATO role will be postponed. We should expect revelations concerning NATO's strategy in Northern Europe and the Baltic States. NATO will announce a further increase in the continent's military in Eastern Europe. The Alliance will continue to provide military support to Ukraine
