The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
Perspectives on Ankara: The security and defence implications of the NATO summit
English Summary
The 2026 NATO Summit highlights that future alliance security requires not only increased burden sharing but also significantly stronger defense capabilities and closer public-private cooperation. The core finding is a shift in focus from mere spending commitments to practical implementation, industrial capacity, and overall resilience. Policy implications center on redesigning defense investment models, establishing mechanisms to ensure summit pledges translate into coordinated action, and accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies through robust public-private partnerships.
中文摘要
2026年北約峰會強調，未來的聯盟安全不僅需要增加負擔分攤，更要求大幅提升防衛能力並加強公私部門的合作。核心發現指出，焦點已從單純的開支承諾轉向實際執行、工業產能和整體韌性。政策意涵集中於重新設計國防投資模式、建立確保峰會承諾能夠轉化為協調行動的機制，以及透過穩健的公私夥伴關係加速採用變革性技術。
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