2.1: Deterrence & Defence
Maintain the ability to deter and defend member states against any threat of aggression. Other Information:
First, the Alliance must maintain the ability to deter and defend member states against any threat of aggression. This commitment,
embodied in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, should be reaffirmed in unmistakable terms. At the same time, NATO planners
must recognize that the potential sources of Article 5 threats have broadened and now include dangers that could arise either
inside or outside the Euro-Atlantic region. NATO must be prepared to defend against (and deter) such threats regardless of
their point of origin. There is, of course, nothing ambiguous about a cross border military assault by the combined armed
forces of a hostile country. However, there may well be doubts about whether an unconventional danger -- such as a cyber attack
or evidence that terrorists are planning a strike -- triggers the collective defence mechanisms of Article 5. In the event,
this will have to be determined by the NAC based on the nature, source, scope, and other aspects of the particular security
challenge. For the purposes of planning, NATO should assume that serious threats will in fact materialize; preparations for
detection, deterrence and response should be calibrated accordingly. These preparations, which should encompass adequate military
capabilities, appropriate training exercises, information gathering, and strategic assessments, must correspond to the full
range of potential Article 5 threats.
Indicator(s):
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