"NATO is a defensive alliance, and our aim is to preserve peace, not provoke conflict"

Jens Stoltenberg, as Secretary General of NATO, stresses the foundational principle upon which the alliance was built. The phrase “NATO is a defensive alliance” underscores its core mission: to provide collective security for its member states, not to act as an aggressor on the world stage. Throughout its existence, NATO has emphasized Article 5 of its founding treaty, which enshrines the idea that an attack on one member is an attack on all. This principle is designed less for encouraging conflict and more for deterring adversaries, by presenting a unified front that would make any attack costly and therefore less likely.

The assertion that NATO’s aim is “to preserve peace, not provoke conflict” serves as an important clarification, particularly in times of geopolitical tension or expansion. It counters accusations from some corners that NATO’s actions, such as military exercises, troop deployments, or the admission of new members, are provocative or escalate crises. Instead, the argument is that these measures are calculated to maintain stability and reassure member nations facing external threats. By emphasizing preservation rather than provocation, Stoltenberg points to both the alliance’s historical restraint and its preference for diplomatic and peaceful solutions wherever possible.

At its essence, NATO’s approach rests on deterrence: the practice of maintaining strong defenses to dissuade any potential adversary from considering aggression. Military preparedness, shared intelligence, and unified decision-making are elements that reinforce security, but their ultimate objective is to avoid the very conflicts they prepare for. By projecting resolve and unity, NATO intends to create conditions where peace can prevail.

This message also speaks to international audiences, reassuring them that NATO’s posture is about ensuring stability across the Euro-Atlantic area rather than advancing expansionist ambitions. By reiterating its defensive mandate, NATO seeks to foster trust among nations while reminding the world of its commitment to peace and the rules-based international order.