ABSTRACT
Russia has expertly implemented and exploited advances that have occurred in the realms of undersea warfare, power projection, cyber warfare, and other modes of warfare. Russian leadership may cease its aggressive and confrontational posture in the North Atlantic and rejoin the rules-based and peaceful European order. To ensure a peaceful and prosperous Europe and North America, NATO needs to be ready for any contingency. It has been said far too often that ‘the world changed on 9/11’. Since that day, most Americans have seen the challenges of the world revolving around terrorism and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. During the Cold War, US policy towards the USSR focused entirely on containment, and both sides endeavoured to avoid conflict lest they slide into nuclear confrontation. Russian missiles, launched from coastal-defence systems, long-range aircraft, and other delivery mechanisms, can reach the capitals of almost all of Europe – not just those of the North Atlantic states.
