‘A very different kind of challenge’? NATO’s prioritization of China in historical perspective

In 2019, China emerged prominently on NATO’s agenda, growing more prominent ever since. What accounts for this phenomenon? Is it best explained by Chinese behaviour, changing perceptions of its or an internal Alliance snowball effect resulting from the desire to appear dynamic and relevant, particularly following Trump administration’s prioritization over Russia as United States’ principal security challenge? To help answer question, article provides historic overview policy approaches towards China. Contrary belief many officials commentators, is not a new topic Alliance. fact, has regularly featured in NATO policies since early Cold War, alternating between adversary ally back again. This argues that despite recently prioritizing discourse, historical record ample reasons cast doubt any expectations will lead major substantive changes diplomacy military posture.