This module features teaching notes by CFR former senior fellow for transatlantic relations James M. Goldgeier, author of the Council Special Report The Future of NATO, along with other resources to supplement the text. Dr. Goldgeier discusses the relevance of NATO in a post-cold war world, and how the U.S. can benefit from collective security across the atlantic for the successful outcome of military operations in the Middle East.

Russia's invasion of Georgia has rubbed raw relations with the West, complicating cooperation in several crucial areas.

Russia stirs concern with gestures toward two Georgian breakaway provinces. Moscow’s moves follow Kosovo’s secession and NATO expansion promises.

Pledges of more resources for Afghanistan have buoyed hopes for a rejuvenated NATO mission. Yet concerns persist about the alliance’s viability there.

NATO leaders pitted the credibility of their alliance to the ongoing effort to stabilize Afghanistan at their summit in Riga, but failed to resolve disputes that keep some major member states—including Germany, Italy, Spain, and France—from serious combat duty there.

Leslie H. Gelb says it's good riddance that President Obama's talk of shifting from Europe to Asia faded as the G8 and NATO meetings loomed.

James M. Goldgeier discusses NATO's 60th anniversary.

NATO has been the foundation of transatlantic security for more than sixty years, but despite its longevity, critics question whether the alliance can stay relevant in the face of emerging threats, limited funding, and debates over its mission.

With talk of deploying NATO peacekeepers to patrol the Lebanese border, the alliance is tackling new challenges outside of Europewhile looking to recruit new members. Not everyone, however, supports a larger NATO.

NATO has been a cornerstone of security in Europe--and of U.S. foreign policy--for six decades. But its ability to continue playing such a central role is unclear. James M. Goldgeier takes a sober look at what the alliance and its members must do to maintain NATO's relevance in the face of today's strategic environment.

NATO leaders released this Deterrence and Defence Posture Review at the NATO summit in Chicago, Illinois on May 20, 2012

The Summit Declaration on Defence Capabilities: Toward NATO Forces 2020 was released at the NATO summit in Chicago, Illinois on May 20, 2012.

This declaration was issued at the NATO summit in Chicago, Illinois on May 20, 2012.

NATO drew up this Strategic Concept in July 1990 at the NATO Heads of State and Government meeting.

Pakistan-U.S. ties have rebounded, but domestic turmoil and looming leadership transitions should command U.S. attention on this vital terrorist frontline, writes CFR's Daniel Markey.

The upcoming NATO summit will include talks on the endgame in Afghanistan, a new smart defense doctrine, and bolstering global partnerships, all of it colored by fundamental questions about the role and mission of the alliance, says CFR's Stewart Patrick.

As NATO's mission continues to redefine itself, four experts discuss what the alliance can do to remain relevant as a force for international peace and security.

NATO members preparing for a new "strategic concept" to be issued at the November summit will have to both hash out serious differences about how NATO forces should be deployed and determine how best to gain Russia's cooperation, says William Drozdiak.