Original scientific paper
The Evolution of NATO: Strategic Adaptation in a Changing Security Landscape
Dražen Smiljanić
orcid.org/0000-0002-5759-7683
; Croatian Defence University „Dr. Franjo Tuđman”
Abstract
NATO’s relevance stems from its political and military instruments of power. The
longevity and success of the North Atlantic Alliance stem from its significance
and cohesion, which are rooted in its core values and capacity for adaptation and
transformation.
Since its inception, adaptability has been a key quality of NATO. The Alliance adapts
its tasks, mission, organisation, and military capabilities. Moreover, since 2003, with
the formation of the Allied Command Transformation, the alliance has systematically
transformed its military instrument of power to improve its effectiveness.
The article examines NATO’s continuous transformation as a comprehensive and
continuous process of adaptation, identifying patterns and trends that reflect its
thorough change and evolution. It employs a three-pronged analytical lens: historical,
institutional, and future-oriented. Through document and policy analysis, the study
identifies six core trends of transformation.
This article contributes to the understanding of NATO’s evolving strategic culture
by highlighting its shift toward proactive planning, institutional foresight, and
innovation as tools for resilience.
Keywords
NATO, transformation, adaptation, security environment
Hrčak ID:
336537
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2025.
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