Analysing international policy processes and Lithuania’s role in them
Events Jul 07, 2026

As the NATO Summit in Ankara begins, Newsweek features an op-ed by Linas Kojala and Vytautas Leškevičius

Photo source: Picture alliance/Newscom/U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Erin Babis

In a new Newsweek publication, GSSC Director Linas Kojala and GSSC Chief Foreign Policy Advisor Vytautas Leškevičius examine how the geopolitical shifts of the past decade have reshaped NATO.

The authors argue that, for many years, Europe’s insufficient investment in defence weakened the Alliance’s capabilities. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and growing pressure from the United States for European Allies to assume greater responsibility have driven significant change. Rising defence spending, stronger military capabilities, and the accelerated development of Europe’s defence industry demonstrate that NATO is becoming a stronger and better-prepared Alliance.

The authors emphasize that the key challenge now is to sustain the momentum of these changes while preserving political unity. They argue that Europe’s efforts to strengthen deterrence and defence capabilities must be accompanied by a clear and enduring commitment by the United States to NATO’s collective defence.

Read the full article here.