What’s Next for NATO’s Capabilities? Collective Defence and Neighbourhood Stabilization: The Italian Perspective

Abstract:

The document summarizes key elements highlighted during the conference “Quali sviluppi per le capacità Nato? Difesa collettiva e stabilizzazione del vicinato: la visione italiana” (What’s Next for NATO’s Capabilities? Collective Defence and Neighbourhood Stabilization: The Italian Perspective) organized on 17 November 2016 by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) within the framework of the project “Defence Matters 2016”, supported by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division.

The conference was devoted to the future of NATO and the development of its capabilities in an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable international system, following the election of Donald J. Trump, the Brexit vote, asymmetric threats coming from the southern and eastern flanks and the relaunching of European defence cooperation. The debate underlined the importance of adapting NATO’s capabilities, the need for European countries to take on more responsibility within the Alliance, as well as the reaffirmation of the founding values of NATO. In this framework, Italy can play a major role, both with regard to NATO collective security and to relaunch NATO-EU cooperation.