NATO 2025: Key Issues Behind the Leaders’ Summit in The Hague

At a time of rising global instability, NATO leaders are meeting in The Hague for what could be a defining moment for the alliance. With the United States pushing for higher defense spending and some members resisting, the summit reflects both the strength and the strain within the 32-member bloc.

Key discussions include support for Ukraine, growing threats from Russia, and whether the alliance can agree on a unified path forward. The meeting is short but significant, especially with ongoing doubts about the long-term U.S. commitment under Donald Trump’s leadership.

NATO, founded in 1949 to counter Soviet threats, is now adapting to 21st-century security challenges, including cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and the potential for broader conflict. While Article 5 still anchors the alliance’s collective defense, recent political shifts have raised new questions about unity and deterrence.

The future of NATO may not hinge on a single summit, but this one could shape how the alliance responds to emerging global threats.