Introduction To NATO:

NATO was Formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty, NATO is a security
alliance of 30 countries from North America and Europe and their fundamental goal is to
safeguard the Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.

Article Five of the treaty states that if an armed attack occurs against one of the member
states, it should be considered an attack against all members, and other members shall
assist the attacked member, with armed forces if necessary. Over the past two decades,
the Alliance has developed a network of structured partnerships with countries from the
Euro-Atlantic area, the Mediterranean and the Gulf region, as well as individual
relationships with other partners across the globe. NATO pursues dialogue and practical
cooperation with many partner countries and engages actively with other international
actors and organisations on a wide range of political and security-related issues.

Mandate of the Committee:

NATO's mandate focuses on collective defense, crisis management, and cooperative

security, as outlined in the 1949 Washington Treaty. Its core principle, enshrined in Article
5, ensures that an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. NATO engages in
peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and disaster response while addressing modern threats
like terrorism and cyberattacks. It promotes global stability by partnering with non-member
nations and international organizations, supporting democratization, and aiding post-
conflict recovery. Additionally, NATO maintains military readiness to deter threats and
ensure member states' forces operate smoothly

Agenda 2: Conduct joint military exercises to deter potential aggressors and reassure
member states, particularly those on NATO’s eastern flank.

Topic introduction: In recent years, Eastern Europe's security situation has become
increasingly tense due to Russia's actions, such as the annexation of Crimea, the ongoing
conflict in Ukraine, and intensified military activity near NATO's borders. These
developments have heightened concerns among NATO members, particularly those
bordering Russia, including the Baltic States, Poland, and Romania. Joint military exercises
play a crucial role in bolstering NATO's collective defense, increasing cooperation among
allied forces, and showcasing unity among member nations. By improving readiness and
presenting a unified stance, NATO seeks to deter potential threats and reassure its eastern
members of the alliance's steadfast commitment to their security and territorial integrity.

Potential Aggressors-

Russia: Russia poses significant threats to NATO's eastern flank, primarily through its
military aggression and strategic actions. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ongoing
involvement in the Ukraine conflict highlight Russia’s willingness to challenge international
borders and destabilize neighboring countries. Its military buildup along NATO’s eastern
borders, particularly in Belarus, increases the risk of direct confrontation with NATO
members such as Poland, the Baltic States, and Romania. Russia’s use of hybrid warfare
tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and political destabilization,
further complicates security for NATO’s eastern allies. Additionally, the deployment of
advanced missile systems and large-scale military exercises near NATO borders heightens
concerns about potential escalation. These actions create a persistent security challenge
for NATO, requiring enhanced deterrence measures. Joint military exercises are crucial for
improving NATO’s readiness, strengthening member states' defenses, and signaling to
Russia that any aggression will be met with a united response.

•Annexation of Crimea (2014): In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a region of Ukraine,

violating international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. This aggressive action raised
concerns within NATO, as it directly threatened the security of NATO’s eastern members.
The annexation led to increased tensions between Russia and NATO, prompting the
alliance to strengthen its defense posture along its eastern borders, especially in countries
like Poland and the Baltic States. NATO also enhanced its deterrence measures, including
joint military exercises, to reassure member states and prevent further Russian aggression
in the region. The Crimea crisis reveals the complete failure of NATO, the EU and Russia to
find a path toward defence and security cooperation in the post-Cold War era.

Belarus: Belarus poses a potential threat to NATO’s eastern flank due to its close
alignment with Russia. The country has supported Russia’s actions in Ukraine and hosted
joint military exercises with Russian forces. Belarus’s strategic location bordering NATO
members like Poland and the Baltic States increases the risk of it being used as a staging
ground for Russian military operations. While Belarus has not directly engaged in
aggression, its cooperation with Russia raises concerns about its role in any future conflict,
especially if it becomes involved in a Russian-led offensive against NATO. This makes
Belarus a key factor in NATO's eastern security strategy.
China: China poses indirect threats to NATO’s eastern flank through hybrid warfare and
cyber threats. It has been linked to cyberattacks, economic espionage, and disinformation
campaigns, targeting NATO members to destabilize their security and gather sensitive
intelligence. China’s collaboration with Russia, including support for the invasion of
Ukraine and the supply of dual-use technologies, strengthens Russia’s military capabilities,
indirectly threatening NATO’s eastern borders. Joint military exercises between China and
Belarus near NATO borders further demonstrate China’s growing global military reach and
strategic alignment with Russia. Additionally, China’s economic coercion could exploit
NATO members' dependencies, potentially undermining the alliance’s unity and resilience
against both direct and indirect threats.

Benefits in conducting joint military excercises:

• Deterrence and Reassurance: Large-scale exercises demonstrate NATO's readiness to

respond to aggression, sending a strong message to adversaries like Russia and China
while reassuring eastern members, such as Poland and the Baltic States, of the alliance’s
commitment to their defense.

• Improved preparedness and Interoperability: These exercises enhance the

coordination and efficiency of NATO forces, ensuring seamless collaboration in responding
to threats. They also prepare forces to counter hybrid warfare tactics, such as cyberattacks
and disinformation campaigns.

• Testing Strategies and Adapting to Threats: Exercises provide an opportunity to refine

military strategies, adapt to emerging threats, and strengthen defenses against
conventional and hybrid challenges, ensuring NATO remains agile and prepared.
Past Actions

Exercise Saber Strike (2018): it was a multinational NATO-led military exercise aimed at
enhancing the readiness and interoperability of forces across Europe, particularly in the
Baltic States and Eastern Europe. Held in June 2018, it involved approximately 18,000
troops from 19 countries, including NATO members and partners. The exercise focused on
strengthening NATO's ability to respond quickly to crises, improve coordination between
allied forces, and practice defensive operations. It simulated various combat scenarios,
such as defending NATO’s eastern borders, ensuring rapid troop movements, and
enhancing communication among multinational forces, demonstrating NATO's collective
defense capabilities.

Exercise Trident Juncture 2015 : it was one of NATO's largest military exercises in recent
history, involving over 36,000 personnel from 30 countries. Held in Norway, it aimed to
demonstrate NATO's collective defense capabilities and improve interoperability among its
forces. The exercise simulated a response to a large-scale crisis, focusing on the rapid
deployment of NATO troops to defend member states against potential threats. It included
land, air, and maritime operations across challenging terrains, highlighting NATO's ability to
respond swiftly to security challenges, reinforce its eastern borders, and ensure unity in
defense efforts.

NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence: Established in 2017, it involved the deployment of

multinational battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. These battlegroups
serve as a visible deterrent against potential aggression, particularly from Russia, and are
part of NATO's broader strategy to ensure security in Eastern Europe. The eFP enhances
NATO's defense posture by providing a forward-deployed presence, improving coordination
among allied forces, and ensuring rapid response capabilities in the event of a crisis. It
represents NATO’s commitment to collective defense and stability in the region.
References:

Crimea annexation: https://natowatch.org/node/1449?utm.com

Belarus:

https://pism.pl/publications/belarusian-foreign-policy-priorities-present-challenges-for-
poland

China: https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-china-step-up-hybrid-confrontation-ahead-
trump-inauguration-peter-apps-2025-01-10/?utm.com

Joint military exercise: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49285.htm

Saber strike: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_156063.htm?utm.com

Trident Juncture: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_124265.htm%20