LaSER researcher Roberts Kits appeared on the TV24 programme “Komandcentrs”, where, together with Sigita Struberga, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, he discussed the future of NATO, the Alliance’s ability to adapt to emerging security challenges, and the evolution of transatlantic relations.
The discussion focused on NATO’s capacity to respond to a changing geopolitical environment and growing political uncertainty. Roberts Kits emphasised that the current debate surrounding the Alliance’s future is not unprecedented. In previous years, several Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have questioned NATO’s effectiveness, yet the Alliance has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to new security challenges.
The programme also explored the political significance of future NATO summits. Roberts Kits noted that the proposal, discussed in political circles, to hold NATO leaders’ summits less frequently could be seen as an effort to reduce political risks and preserve Alliance unity. At the same time, he stressed that such summits primarily serve as instruments of political signalling, while many of NATO’s key decisions are prepared and agreed through other formats of cooperation.
The discussion also highlighted NATO’s enduring military strength. Together, NATO member states account for approximately 55% of global military expenditure, underlining that despite ongoing political debates, the Alliance remains the world’s strongest collective defence organisation.
The full episode of “Komandcentrs” is available to watch here.
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