In 2024, several major developments unfolded in the Russian war on Ukraine, including Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, which began in August. The Ukrainian Armed Forces intensified drone attacks on Russia’s military and energy infrastructure, targeting more than 30 oil refineries. Additionally, Ukraine has rapidly transformed from receiving military aid to becoming a successful Read More…
5. Authors of the NCC
A list of authors, past and present
NATO and Conventional Arms Control in the Context of the Russian War on Ukraine. Part 1
One overlooked aspect of NATO’s activities is the alliance members’ commitment to conventional arms control. The NATO 2022 Strategic Concept, adopted at the Madrid Summit, highlights the importance of arms control and disarmament for global security Conventional arms control measures include efforts such as the reduction of troops or even the total abolition of armed Read More…
From Aid to Boots on the Ground: The Russian-North Korean Axis in the Ukraine Conflict
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the two countries have been embroiled in Europe’s largest conventional conflict since World War II, suffering thousands of civilian and military casualties. Since the war began, Ukraine has received substantial aid from NATO and EU members, with EU commitments exceeding $126 billion as of April 30, Read More…
Drones of Influence: Information Warfare & Border Security on the Korean Peninsula
On October 11, 2024, North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones into its capital, claiming that the drones were used to spread South Korean propaganda across Pyongyang. On October 19, the KCNA state agency reported, “In light of the drone’s shape, the presumptive period of flight, the leaflet-scattering box fixed to the underpart of Read More…
NATO and Libya: A Case-Study in Failing at the Responsibility to Protect?
In 2011, when the “Arab Spring” protests advocating for the removal of long-time authoritarian regimes in North Africa hit Libya, a combination of corporate interests, realpolitik power calculations, and global humanitarian concerns led the West to intervene. For most of the decade that followed, Libya became a quintessential failed state. Resultantly, many in the West Read More…
Gearing up for Climate Change: Canada’s Leadership in NATO’s Developing Focus on Climate Change
With every passing day, the existential threat of climate change grows. Natural disasters are occurring at higher rates and alarming intensity, destroying homes, infrastructure, and lives. Many NATO members have endured the growth of natural disaster strength against their citizens. In Canada, the forest fire season is becoming more destructive every year, as in 2023, Read More…
A Well-Funded Military is not a Liability in the Fight Against Climate Change. It’s a Powerful Asset
Background Recently, a series of letters to the editor published in the Toronto Star scolded the Canadian government for allegedly siphoning billions of dollars away from climate change mitigation initiatives in order to fund dubious military investments. These letters argue that the government should prioritize environmental investments over military spending, suggesting that climate change poses Read More…
NATO and Armenia: New Strategic Interests and Pathways Towards Contained Cooperation
For centuries, Türkiye has been a major player in the West’s economic, security, and international trade strategies. This has allowed Turkish governments to continue organized and popular discrimination and oppression against Armenians in Turkiye, which began before the Armenian Genocide of 1915 which Türkiye’s official position is to deny. Currently, an iteration of this situation Read More…
To Proceed Accordingly or with Caution: The United States’ post-election policy plans for NATO
Shortly after President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, stepped up to the plate, a catalyst for the new tone for this election. The Democratic party quickly shifted support to their new candidate, with Democrats breaking campaign donation records within three days of Harris announcing her Read More…
Finland and Sweden: Newly Joining NATO and Changing Foreign Relations
Between spring of 2023 and 2024, one major change happened to the European security landscape. In April 2023, Finland formally joined NATO, with Sweden following in March 2024. This change was preceded by Russia having invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Political leaders from both NATO and the newly admitted members acknowledged that they were responding Read More…