NATO 2022 Strategic Concept

The NATO 2022 Strategic Concept is the foundational document adopted by NATO Leaders at the Summit held in Madrid, Spain on 29 June 2022. As NATO's most important document after its founding treaty, the Strategic Concept replaced the previous concept from 2010.

Security Environment and Russia

The document characterizes Russia as "the most significant and direct threat to Allies' security." Russia's aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the security environment in Europe, which is reflected in the Strategic Concept. NATO commits to increasing its deterrence and defense capacity in the East.

China

The 2022 Strategic Concept addresses China directly for the first time in a NATO Strategic Concept. "China's stated ambitions and coercive policies challenge our interests, security and values" has entered the document. However, unlike Russia, China is not defined as a direct adversary.

Core Tasks

Deterrence and Defence: This task re-emerges as NATO's primary priority in an increasingly threatening environment.

Crisis Prevention and Management: The Alliance's capacity to manage crises and support post-conflict stability is maintained.

Cooperative Security: Maintaining partnerships and supporting the international rules-based order.

Hybrid Threats and Cyber Security

The Strategic Concept registers for the first time that the cumulative effect of hybrid operations could trigger Article 5. Cyberspace is recognized as a fully operational domain alongside land, sea, air and space.

Climate Change

Climate change is identified as "the defining challenge of our time" and enters the list of key priorities to be observed in NATO's activities.