Nuclear deterrence has been the cornerstone of NATO’s defence strategy, ensuring stability and security for its members for over 70 years. However, the "peace- dividend" era led to a diminished emphasis on nuclear capabilities in strategic communications. This approach has been upended by Russia’s war in Ukraine and its nuclear blackmailing, forcing NATO to recalibrate and reassert its nuclear posture.

The stakes are immense: not only does NATO's response need to deter Russian aggression, but it must also send a clear, unmistakable message to the world to prevent the further proliferation of nuclear weapons. How can NATO’s strategic communications effectively project its resolve and readiness without escalating tensions? Should Allied countries strengthen nuclear deterrence by conventional posture, economic sanctions and other measures? What more can be done to reinforce global nuclear stability without ceding the narrative to hostile actors?