The Evolution of NATO Summitry and Priorities

In light of the most recent NATO Summit in Ankara, Dr. Phyllis Berry examines how the Alliance’s priorities have evolved across the 2024 Washington, 2025 Hague, and 2026 Ankara summits in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, shifting U.S. policy, and Europe’s growing defense responsibilities. She argues that Germany will be central to building a stronger European pillar within NATO and translating higher defense spending into credible military capability.