How Can NATO Effectively Counter Terrorism and Hybrid Threats? Analyzing the Benefits and Pitfalls of Joint Synergies

Abstract

When it comes to hybrid threats, there are a number of gaps to be addressedto keep NATO strategically relevant for the Allies’ security. As many experts have observed, despite the potential for terrorist violence as a partof hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism as a response or preventive measurehas an unexpectedly low profile in NATO’s policy on hybrid threats. Themore NATO addresses these critical issues for Allies’ security through intra-alliance cooperation, the more strategically relevant the Alliance willbe for its members. Hence, Alliance cohesion is a key starting point, butperhaps only the first step. The next steps are likely to be built together byworking on venues for strategic cooperation and hybrid capacity-building. The security atmosphere of Europe and its neighborhood is becomingincreasingly hybrid, and therefore requires the Allies to act accordingly.To what extent NATO can deliver under these circumstances will be thelitmus test for the Alliance’s credibility and strategic relevance in the yearsto come. This article aims to explore how NATO can expand its strategiccooperation and develop effective countermeasures against terrorism andhybrid threats, while paving the way for hybrid capacity-building startingwith NATO allies and potentially growing with regional partners.