The real problems in NATO aren’t about European military capability deficits, but politics. Europe is once again fragmenting along cultural and historical divides.

With a real crisis brewing on Europe’s northeastern flank, leading “from behind” or leading from the “Mitte” just won’t do.

Without military aid, Ukraine is lost. It may even be lost with aid. But it still matters for NATO and European security how Ukraine is lost.

Arguments to abandon Ukraine to its fate just don’t stack up.

Looking back on 2014, we can see that the first victim of Russia’s war in Ukraine was not a state, but an idea.

Poland’s purchase of an advanced American standoff missile has the potential to shake up the strategic calculus in the east.

Europe is mired in deep denial about the historical currents driving Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Russia naval and airspace incursions in the Baltic Sea area are aimed at deterring Sweden and Finland from increasing their cooperation with NATO.

European leaders are finally beginning to admit to themselves that Putin’s goal is to decompose NATO and alter Europe’s normative framework. But will they do anything about it?

Once more the old adage that the fat and self-contented cannot outrun the lean and hungry is playing itself out.