Collective Defense Alliances are a crucial element of global stability and security. They create a framework for military cooperation between countries, strengthening political and economic ties and providing greater resilience against threats. They are also a means of protecting the values and principles that NATO stands for, including individual liberty, democracy and the rule of law.
At the 2014 Wales Summit, Allies agreed on a series of Readiness Action Plans to strengthen deterrence and defence in the face of emerging challenges. The plans include assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe to reassure populations, deter aggression and reinforce defence. They also include adaptation measures – longer-term changes to the Alliance’s forces and command structure. These initiatives have launched the most significant reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence since the end of the Cold War.
Allied Leaders endorsed a new Strategic Concept to guide the Alliance’s long-term defence development and ensure it remains militarily strong and ready for future challenges. They also agreed a Defence Production Action Plan to boost engagement with Allies’ defence industry, accelerate joint procurement and boost capacity and capability. And they launched the first NATO Commercial Space Strategy, which will further strengthen NATO’s cooperation with the private sector.
As a registered IRS non-profit organization, Defense Alliance accelerates the commercialization of advanced technology products and contributes to regional economic development by supporting small businesses in the Upper Midwest (principally in ND, SD, MN and WI). The Alliance is one of only 60 national high-impact technology clusters funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s RIC program and is an approved Department of Defense Advanced Technology Center.
About the Author
