A group of States that have agreed to stand together against a common threat, often with economic and political benefits. International alliances have been a staple of international affairs for centuries, exemplified by the grand coalition of Western democracies that defeated the Nazis in World War II. The modern incarnation was developed after the Cold War, in which NATO evolved from a bulwark against Soviet expansionism into a global security network that seeks to promote democratic stability and reduce threats across the globe.
Like any collective effort, an alliance requires members to relinquish some degree of national sovereignty. This may provoke discontent, especially if some states bear more of the burden or cost of an alliance and feel they do not benefit sufficiently from membership. Alliances are further regulated by external sources, such as decisions of regional and universal institutions that lay down rules for alliance behaviour.
The lessons of history suggest that the most effective international alliances are broad and diverse. These networks bring to bear a range of assets – military capability, population, natural resources, diplomatic influence and more – in a bid to deter hostile states and achieve peaceful ends.
The Alliance has achieved its core historic mission – to deter aggression from an aggressive Soviet Union – but must now expand its mandate to tackle the new and growing threats of our time – terrorism, cyberattacks, climate change, economic inequality and other challenges. It should also be willing to sustain an honest dialogue with India on pluralism and the rule of law, even as the two nations deepen their cooperation on emerging technologies.
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