Despite a political consensus that NATO needs to beef up its defenses on the Eastern flank, a growing divide is emerging among the NATO member states on how to do so. Russia's actions against Ukraine and its subsequent aggression of the Baltic region have intensified the conflicting views among NATO members.
The United States is responsible for ensuring that NATO can respond to threats to its Eastern flank. It's difficult to answer the question whether NATO is capable and able to respond effectively. To protect NATO's Eastern flank, there are many obstacles.
One of those obstacles is Russia's forward defenses, which include fighter aircraft bases and missile sites. These defenses allow Moscow the ability to engage NATO reinforcements, before they reach forward deployed units. NATO is unable to do as much as it did before on the Eastern flank. Many great minds are trying to find ways to strengthen the Eastern flank.
The logistical difficulties involved in moving equipment across Europe are another obstacle. In the past, moving troops and equipment across Europe was relatively easy. However, today moving troops across Europe is much more challenging. The challenge lies in moving troops across Europe efficiently while maintaining their capabilities. Dedicated weapons may not always be available in sufficient quantity.
Another issue is the need to have permanent forces on the Eastern side. NATO members disagree over whether these forces should exist in a rotating, permanent or small scale. Many Central Europeans are worried about U.S. troops being sent to Europe. Others are concerned that Russia could use the NATO Russia Found Act to sow divisions within NATO.
NATO and its members must agree on a long-term strategy to defend Russia. This strategy should focus on deterrence as well resilience and unity. It should also address cyberattacks and hybrid threats. NATO must agree upon a strategy that addresses member states' diverse interests. The strategy must address how NATO's Eastern flank will be strengthened.
While NATO member countries are concerned about Russia's invasion of Latvia, some aren’t convinced it will attack Estonia. However, most NATO member states see the need for a permanent presence on the Eastern side. There are other options to strengthen the Eastern side, such as a Military Schengen which would allow equipment to flow freely to Eastern flank countries.
NATO has taken numerous steps to improve its defenses against the east but there are still divisions about its role. Some member states from the southern region feel that NATO is not doing enough for their security. These fears undermine the unity among NATO members. The United States responds by providing defense guarantees. This strategy, however, has limited potential for strengthening NATO's defensive capabilities.
NATO responded to Russia's incursion in Ukraine. NATO has responded by expanding its Eastern flank through dispersal of forces and strengthening its defenses. Similar divisions were usually overcome by NATO's major alliances working together in the past. The future front line of European conflict will be the Eastern flank. The new front line for NATO will form in the Baltic region. It will pose a significant challenge to NATO's forces. But, Russia's threat is becoming more sophisticated and complex, which raises questions about NATO's ability respond effectively.