NATO and the new south

Analyzing the security impacts of great power competition in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions and developing strategies to improve stabilization missions beyond Europe’s borders.

Report Spotlight: More in the Med

Read the report in English or Italian

More in the Med: How NATO Can Refocus its Efforts in the South and Italy C an Lead the Charge

Though NATO has made considerable progress in deterring an aggressive Russia to the east, it falls short in its “southern strategy.” Ambassador Alexander Vershbow and Lauren Speranza suggest three major courses of action to develop NATO’s strategy towards its southern flank.

More in the Med: Come La NATO Può Rifocalizzare Il Suo Impegno Sul Fronte Meridionale E L’italia Guidare Il Processo

Though NATO has made considerable progress in deterring an aggressive Russia to the east, it falls short in its “southern strategy.” Ambassador Alexander Vershbow and Lauren Speranza suggest three major courses of action to develop NATO’s strategy towards its southern flank.

Mediterranean Futures 2030: Toward a Transatlantic Security Strategy

Mediterranean Futures 2030 outlines key drivers of change in the Mediterranean region, analyzes plausible future scenarios, and provides strategy recommendations for the United States, Europe, and their Mediterranean partners to realize shared goals for the region moving forward.

Critical Dialogues

Rethinking Stability

Stabilization efforts have too often not only failed, but made fragile environments worse. To address the flaws of large-scale stabilization missions around the world, and to propose policy and operational solutions, the Atlantic Council is executing a project that promotes better collaboration between the political, military, development, and peacebuilding actors involved in stabilization and conflict prevention. Through a series of high-level private dialogues, “Rethinking Stability” aims to understand how, where, and through what mechanisms security and peacebuilding actors can collaborate to prevent conflict and build long-term peace in current and future missions. Together with targeted interviews and research, these dialogues create space for senior- and working-level experts to engage in frank discussion about the strategic and technical limits of the current “toolbox” of international stabilization operations.

Featured Commentary
NATO and the new south

New Atlanticist Sep 10, 2020

From coronavirus to Mediterranean tensions, Italy has stepped up its diplomatic game during dramatic year, foreign minister says

By Francesco Bechis and Valeria Covato

Despite the many difficulties, Di Maio is confident that Rome has seized the moment and provided “new impulse to Italy’s international profile and credibility.”
China Coronavirus
NATO and the new south

New Atlanticist Sep 1, 2020

Lifting the arms ban on the Republic of Cyprus is good policy, despite the timing

By Damon Wilson

A Republic of Cyprus that has more accurate radar, search-and-rescue capabilities, and maritime-surveillance equipment can be a better partner of the United States and other nations in the Eastern Mediterranean where we share common interests.
Crisis Management European Union
NATO and the new south

In the News Aug 27, 2020

Stefano Stefanini quoted in the New York Times on Turkey-Greece tensions and prospects for Turkish EU membership

By Stefano Stefanini

Stefano Stefanini outlines several practical steps the European Union could take to develop a forward-looking and inclusive relationship with Turkey.
Europe & Eurasia European Union
NATO and the new south

New Atlanticist May 27, 2020

COVID-19 will not change Italy’s Euro-Atlantic position, defense minister says

By Francesco Bechis

“Many countries have shown solidarity toward Italy in an extraordinary situation. We talk to everyone, but the pillars of our security are NATO and the European Union, and these shall remain,” Guerini said.
Coronavirus Italy
NATO and the new south

New Atlanticist Apr 1, 2019

NATO membership for Cyprus. Yes, Cyprus.

By Damon Wilson

With NATO membership built into any settlement, Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, along with Athens and Ankara, and in partnership with all of their European partners and NATO allies, might have more confidence in striking a deal.
Greece NATO
NATO and the new south

Issue Brief Oct 4, 2016

A NATO strategy for security in the Black Sea region

By Steven Horrell

NATO faces a worsening security environment defined by Russia’s growing willingness to challenge the West and a Europe whole, free, and at peace. In this new geo-political context the Black Sea region is one of the central friction zones between Russia and NATO. While the Alliance has recently pledged to protect its eastern flank against […]
Maritime Security NATO
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