What Could Trigger NATO'S Article 5?

Throughout NATO's 75-year history, Article 5, which guarantees collective defence, has been invoked only once - after the September 11th attacks. NATO members rallied behind the US, leading a UN-mandated force in Afghanistan. But this wasn’t the scenario for which Article 5 was designed for. Created during the Cold War, it aimed to deter a Soviet invasion of Europe. Now, as current geopolitical tensions echo the past, questions are rising about whether it could be triggered again and under what terms.

The war in Ukraine, fueled by NATO's billions in military aid, is testing the alliance’s solidarity like never before. Most members back Kyiv, but Hungary and Türkiye have called for more diplomacy. Russia cites NATO’s expansion as its main reason for attacking Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing for NATO membership, while acknowledging Article 5 might not cover all Ukrainian territory. Germany warns Russian sabotage could push NATO to invoke the collective defence clause amid growing hybrid threats. And Vladimir Putin has warned nations supplying weapons to Ukraine that could be targeted. If NATO does sound the alarm bell, would every member show up?

Guests:
Elisabeth Braw
Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council

Jamie Shea
Former NATO Official

Spasimir Domaradzki
Senior Analyst at Institute of Central Europe

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