ATO needs to adapt to a modern global security environment that is increasingly shaped by soft security issues—from the digital realm to climate change and evolving diplomatic needs in the current geopolitical environment. This shift toward a focus on soft power is a common–sense approach and NATO has pursued it for some time. With current uncertainty about the future of NATO, however, the security organization’s continued prioritization of soft power is not a given.
The role of digital and cybersecurity operations became more of a reality when Russia used blockchain digital currency like bitcoin to fund cybersecurity operations during the 2016 U.S. election season. The spread of mis– and disinformation using various digital technologies further complicates the operational environment. In response, NATO needs robust strategic digital influence architecture that engages traditional and non–traditional domains. Non–traditional domains should include the youth or Generation Z audience. Generation Z is increasingly exposed to populist messaging, perceives NATO as mundane, and is less knowledgeable about NATO’s mission. NATO needs to boost its visibility with youth groups by engaging in areas of high media consumption and grow their young professional educational programs.
NATO should also invest in climate security cooperation initiatives. Climate change is rapidly reshaping the global security environment—such as the Arctic. Icemelt is creating new major commercial routes, giving Russia potential operational advantages. NATO should invest in modern climate change cooperation negotiations with key multilateral organizations like the Arctic Circle, the Paris Accord community, and other international groups on modern initiatives such as early warning systems, green–transition technology, and modern humanitarian and disaster relief programs.
Current geopolitical dynamics also present new challenges for NATO. A new alignment between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran illustrates why NATO needs to grow its diplomatic efforts, deepening relations with both governments and international institutions. This is especially true in the Global South, where this new alignment's strategic interest is to grow support by undermining western democracy as weak and ineffective to traditional partners & allies. Recruiting prominent new non–NATO ally members like Kenya in the Global South can help counteract that influence, but should be done cautiously to avoid cultivating problematic new relationships, such as the NATO–Pakistan relationship. Engagement with Global South institutions such as the African Union and ASEAN, cultivating cooperation despite historical and political challenges.
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NATO must adapt to “soft security”
Image via NATO on Flickr. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
June 25, 2025
From the digital realm to climate change to evolving approaches to diplomacy in a shifting geopolitical environment, NATO’s mission will be increasingly shaped by soft security issues, writes Asha Castleberry–Hernandez.
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ATO needs to adapt to a modern global security environment that is increasingly shaped by soft security issues—from the digital realm to climate change and evolving diplomatic needs in the current geopolitical environment. This shift toward a focus on soft power is a common–sense approach and NATO has pursued it for some time. With current uncertainty about the future of NATO, however, the security organization’s continued prioritization of soft power is not a given.
The role of digital and cybersecurity operations became more of a reality when Russia used blockchain digital currency like bitcoin to fund cybersecurity operations during the 2016 U.S. election season. The spread of mis– and disinformation using various digital technologies further complicates the operational environment. In response, NATO needs robust strategic digital influence architecture that engages traditional and non–traditional domains. Non–traditional domains should include the youth or Generation Z audience. Generation Z is increasingly exposed to populist messaging, perceives NATO as mundane, and is less knowledgeable about NATO’s mission. NATO needs to boost its visibility with youth groups by engaging in areas of high media consumption and grow their young professional educational programs.
NATO should also invest in climate security cooperation initiatives. Climate change is rapidly reshaping the global security environment—such as the Arctic. Icemelt is creating new major commercial routes, giving Russia potential operational advantages. NATO should invest in modern climate change cooperation negotiations with key multilateral organizations like the Arctic Circle, the Paris Accord community, and other international groups on modern initiatives such as early warning systems, green–transition technology, and modern humanitarian and disaster relief programs.
Current geopolitical dynamics also present new challenges for NATO. A new alignment between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran illustrates why NATO needs to grow its diplomatic efforts, deepening relations with both governments and international institutions. This is especially true in the Global South, where this new alignment's strategic interest is to grow support by undermining western democracy as weak and ineffective to traditional partners & allies. Recruiting prominent new non–NATO ally members like Kenya in the Global South can help counteract that influence, but should be done cautiously to avoid cultivating problematic new relationships, such as the NATO–Pakistan relationship. Engagement with Global South institutions such as the African Union and ASEAN, cultivating cooperation despite historical and political challenges.
