Biden Is Hosting NATO This Week. Here’s What to Watch.

President Joe Biden will be hosting NATO leaders this week in a highly anticipated summit that will focus on strengthening the alliance and addressing key global security challenges. This will be Biden’s first NATO summit as President and it comes at a critical time as the world faces a range of complex threats, including Russia’s aggressive actions, China’s growing influence, and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

One of the key issues that is expected to dominate discussions at the summit is Russia’s recent military buildup near the border with Ukraine. NATO has expressed deep concern over Russia’s actions and has called for Moscow to de-escalate tensions in the region. Biden is likely to use the summit as an opportunity to rally NATO allies to stand united against Russian aggression and to reaffirm the alliance’s commitment to collective defense.

Another important topic on the agenda is China’s increasing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. NATO has recently designated China as a “systemic challenge” and has expressed concerns over Beijing’s military modernization and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. Biden is expected to urge NATO allies to work together to address the challenges posed by China and to enhance cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, technology, and infrastructure.

The summit will also provide an opportunity for NATO leaders to discuss the ongoing fight against terrorism and the alliance’s role in promoting stability and security in the Middle East and North Africa. Biden is likely to emphasize the importance of NATO’s continued support for counterterrorism efforts and to call for increased cooperation with partners in the region to address the root causes of extremism.

In addition to these key issues, the summit will also focus on strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities, enhancing military readiness, and adapting the alliance to meet evolving security challenges. Biden is expected to highlight the importance of investing in defense and to call on NATO allies to meet their commitment to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense.

Overall, the NATO summit this week will be a crucial opportunity for Biden to demonstrate US leadership on the world stage, to reaffirm America’s commitment to its allies, and to strengthen the alliance in the face of growing security challenges. As the world continues to grapple with complex threats and uncertainties, the summit will be a critical moment for NATO to demonstrate its relevance and unity in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.