NATO Needs to Stand Strong Against Putin
Regular exercise is the key to good health.
Photographer: Sean GallupThe political turmoil stirred up by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has left NATO with an urgent task: to demonstrate to Russia’s Vladimir Putin that Europe remains strong, united and invulnerable to his meddling.
In recent months, through espionage and efforts to incite unrest (notably in Germany), Putin has sought to exploit European political and social divisions to advance his goals. After occupying one-fifth of Georgia, taking over Crimea and invading eastern Ukraine, Putin has responded to sanctions by threatening Russia’s other European neighbors and sending planes and ships far and wide to probe and play chicken with NATO forces. Meanwhile, Russian hackers have reportedly targeted not just websites, but the Ukrainian power grid, Estonia’s financial system, and a German steel mill.