In a globally interconnected world, no country can resolve international conflicts by itself. Equally, hardly any country can protect itself sufficiently against cross-border risks and threats on its own, as also shown by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. That is why Germany needs partners and alliances that provide mutual support and solidarity. The North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) is the key pillar for Euro-Atlantic security.

Collective defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security

NATO’s three core tasks are collective defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security. These three tasks are anchored in the Alliance’s Strategic Concept 2022.

Collective defence lies at the heart of the Alliance. It means that NATO members protect each other in the case of an external attack. The priority is to deter potential attackers so that a situation requiring mutual defence does not arise in the first place.

NATO’s crisis prevention and management work focuses on creating security and stability where the security of NATO member countries is affected. This involves crisis prevention, that is, endeavours to prevent crises and their escalation, as well as crisis management and post-conflict stabilisation efforts, such as in Iraq or in Kosovo.

The third task, cooperative security, describes NATO’s desire to cooperate with non-NATO countries with a view to maintaining international security and stability. This cooperation may take different forms, for example promoting dialogue in order to create transparency and build confidence. A particular emphasis is on the European Union (EU) here, as it is a unique and indispensable partner.