More Than Sum of Its Parts? NATO Can Benefit From Nordic Models of Holistic Security

[Boats]

More Than Sum of Its Parts? NATO Can Benefit From Nordic Models of Holistic Security
By: G-M-F Org. 04-02-24
Re: https://www.gmfus.org/news/more-sum-...istic-security

Finland's accession to NATO on April 4, 2023, followed by Sweden's accession on March 7 this year, marked a
turning point in regional security. With all Northern European countries now part of the same collective defense
alliance, what benefits will NATO reap from its newest members?

Finland and Sweden are widely recognized as net security providers for the alliance, contributing robust defense
capabilities. However, a less emphasized yet significant contribution lies in their whole-of-society approaches to
security. While not identical, Finland’s comprehensive security and Sweden’s total defense models both embrace
a holistic security framework—a concept that is crucial for enhancing societal preparedness and resilience against
disruptions and emergencies. These models engage all levels of society, from citizens to political leaders, in
security and defense considerations.

Especially since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, civil preparedness and resilience have become increasingly
essential to NATO's credible deterrence and defense. In keeping with Article 3 of the North Atlantic Treaty,
NATO has taken significant steps since 2016 to enhance the resilience of its member states, individually and
collectively. The 2021 Vilnius Summit Resilience Commitment added to the momentum, while the establishment
of a specific NATO Resilience Committee in 2022 boosted coordination efforts. Nevertheless, the ongoing decade
has unequivocally highlighted the need to further strengthen our collective preparedness and resilience against
complex security threats ranging from pandemics to hybrid and conventional warfare scenarios.

The Nordic whole-of-society models provide valuable insights for addressing challenges facing the alliance.
For example, Finland's experiences show that expanding security beyond defense-centric definitions to an
all-hazards perspective increases societal participation beyond traditional defense structures. Engaging
stakeholders from private companies to NGOs not only bridges the gap between civilian and military entities
but also builds societal trust and a shared "preparedness mindset". Furthermore, both Finland and Sweden
promote citizen involvement in security through education, communication, and participation in civil or
military duties, enhancing citizen agency.

As new members, Finland and Sweden should leverage their experience with whole-of-society models,
integrating them into NATO operations where relevant. NATO members stand to gain from Nordic lessons
learned in countering hybrid threats, such as their experiences in responding to weaponized migration at
Finland's eastern border or to disinformation campaigns. Moreover, both countries can contribute their
longstanding commitments on citizen preparedness and public-private partnerships in preparedness and
supply chain resilience, as well as their expertise in building civil defense shelters and mobilizing citizens
to support national defense.

The year 2024 presents major challenges for the alliance, including threats that intensifying disinformation
campaigns pose during key elections in numerous member states. Investing in civil preparedness and
resilience can provide NATO with a greater capacity to counter these threats. This not only enhances
NATO's internal cohesion, but also helps to strengthen the resilience of democracy.

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Personal note: Well it seems the gang is getting it together. I would imagine
it doesn't sit well with Putin (ah what a shame). His motis agenda has gone
astray. But now he's enclosed on all fronts with NATO nations. Knowing
that aggression on one will bring the hoard down on him. It's his own
doing and lesson that took some time to recognize prior to their enlistment
in NATO. Security rules - whereas the wild card nations will suffer from
non-compliance rules and working independently without others to
prevent an invasion - or hostile actions.
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Boats

[Boats]

NATO mulls takeover of US-led planning for arming Ukraine
By: JOHN VANDIVER STARS AND STRIPES • April 3, 2024
RE: Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/eur...-13479283.html
Source - Stars and Stripes

[NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg speaks to reporters April 3, 2024, before the start of two days of meetings of NATO foreign ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. (NATO)]

STUTTGART, Germany — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other leaders this week will review a proposal to make NATO the planning hub for arming Ukraine as the alliance looks for ways to shake up an effort that’s been spearheaded by the United States at Ramstein Air Base for the past two years. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the start of a foreign ministers meeting Wednesday at his headquarters in Brussels, said the time has come to shift the dynamics of allied support. “Ministers will discuss how NATO could assume more responsibility for coordinating military equipment and training for Ukraine, anchoring this within a robust NATO framework,” Stoltenberg said.

While a final decision wasn’t expected this week, the proposal would help ensure a more reliable and predictable security assistance system for Ukraine over the long haul, Stoltenberg said. The discussions in Brussels come as Russia ramps up the scale of its attacks on Ukraine. At the same time, weapons delivery from the West has dwindled. Thus far, the U.S. has been the center of gravity for coordinating efforts to arm Ukraine’s military. The so-called Ramstein Group, led by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, has been the face of that effort and involves more than 50 countries that meets periodically at the U.S. Air Force hub in Germany. Meanwhile, a subordinate group at U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters in Wiesbaden serves as ground zero for putting support plans into action. Stoltenberg declined to say if a new NATO effort would spell the end of the U.S.-led Ramstein Group.

But he did say uncertain funding support in Washington, where Congress has failed to reach an agreement on support for Ukraine, was hurting the war effort, forcing Ukraine to ration artillery shells. “Any delay (in Washington) has real consequences on the battlefield,” Stoltenberg said. While Stoltenberg didn’t connect the proposal to make NATO the focal point for arming Ukraine to dysfunction in Washington, he did say that more alliance involvement would send a message of resolve to Moscow. “Doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient and more effective,” he said. “Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out.”

The aim is to set the stage for a peace agreement, Stoltenberg said, adding a stronger NATO role “is the way to end this war.” Stoltenberg said the goal is to have a final agreement on a larger NATO role ready in time for the alliance’s July summit in Washington, where heads of state will mark NATO’s 75th anniversary.
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Personal note: Let me express my feelings on this post - see below:
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Note: If NATO [buckles] - it will then send a message to the other's around the
globe - that NATO is weak. Sure it's costly - but to maintain a secure World Order
it must be policed - to quell such actions and prevent the weak from being abused
by strong armed tactics.
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The few last few decades have shown an increase of such aggression as we've
not seen during the last decade - or more.
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But the world order [NATO Members] are stepping up and condemning those
who would persecute the weak & for us to due otherwise is the worst scenario.
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When the top heavy handed nations around the globe try to extend their
strong-handed tactics "we" (NATO) - need to be there for them - or we loose
face and watch the weak be persecuted.
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Only a strong World Order of operation(s) can put these scenario's to rest.
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Let's keep up with what we have - NATO was formed for such purposes and
only as a team - can we counter & resolve such actions against these aggressors!
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God Be With "all" those who stand up for the weak and persecuted! For they will
be remembered by those who would otherwise have been persecuted by their foes.
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Boats