For decades, NATO has built a globally recognized brand, one synonymous with security, stability, collective defence and freedom. In the Euro-Atlantic area, it remains the backbone of deterrence and a powerful magnet for democracies, as seen in Finland’s and Sweden’s recent accession and Ukraine’s unwavering pursuit of membership. Yet, NATO’s adversaries relentless efforts to brand the Alliance as weak, divided, and morally bankrupt are not just propaganda but strategic weapons aimed at eroding unity from within.
Deterrence is not just about reacting, it’s about dictating the terms of engagement. The true battlefield is in our collective belief: if NATO’s member societies lose faith in their shared strength and purpose, adversaries can succeed without firing a shot. To maintain dominance, the Alliance must set the agenda, not just counter information influence operations. This requires vision, proactive narrative shaping, leveraging cutting-edge tools, and ensuring cohesion across its member states. Are NATO existing policies and tools robust enough to shape the information battlefield or is it time to redefine them?