NATO: From Cold War to Ukraine, a History of the World's Most Powerful Alliance

by Sten Rynning

A wide-ranging new history of NATO, from its origins to the present day—published for the alliance’s seventy-fifth anniversary


For seven decades, NATO’s stated aim has been the achievement of world peace—but playing great power politics always involves conflict. Russia’s war on Ukraine and on Europe’s security order puts the alliance under threat, but also demonstrates why transatlantic cooperation is so necessary. But how did NATO get to where it is today, and what does its future hold?


In this incisive new account, Sten Rynning traces the full history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation from its origins to the present. Across its seventy-five years, NATO has navigated the twists and turns of Cold War diplomacy and nuclear deterrence, and has grown its membership. The alliance has become a guarantor of peace, but Rynning explores how its complex inner workings alongside Russian and Chinese opposition are now shaping its direction.


At a time of strategic competition and geopolitical upheaval, Rynning offers us a clear-sighted account of the alliance’s intriguing history—and asks what its ambitions might be for the future.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, Audiobook, World History, International Relations, War

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know, I'm interested in the topic, but the telling was just a little too dry to keep my attention.

[Cgcang · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most uninspiring books I read this year. It's no mean feat to write such an utterly boring book about the largest military alliance in history. Solid proof that scholarly knowledge amounts to little if you cannot back it up with good writing.

[Michiel Van R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

[History Today]

The repetitive nature of NATO’s history also provides the starting point for Sten Rynning’s contribution to the anniversary, NATO: From Cold War to Ukraine, a History of the World’s Most Powerful Alliance. A Danish academic specialising in NATO, Rynning begins his book in severe didactic fashion, with subheadings laying down prescriptions such as ‘How to think about NATO’ and ‘NATO’s future must not resemble its past’. Yet the end product is a subtle and thought-provoking book, unflinching in its sober realism about the tensions at the core of NATO’s existence.

Rynning argues that NATO’s history is characterised by cycles of boom and bust between moments of great ambition – its initial establishment in 1949 and the collapse of the Soviet Union – and the subsequent disillusionment, as the alliance struggled with closing the gap between aspiration and reality. Unusually, instead of beginning his narrative at the conclusion of the Second World War, Rynning chooses 1939 as his starting point, when US engagement with the world stood on the brink of a permanent transformation.

Postwar America, Rynning writes, had initially aimed to create a global collective security regime, a new world order based on cooperation and the fostering of communities of shared values, with the United Nations at its core. It is not for nothing that Article 1 of the North Atlantic Treaty (an astonishingly elegant document, which the book helpfully reprints in full) speaks of compliance with the UN Charter, while Article 2, a Canadian initiative, is concerned with the fostering of non-military co-operation and understanding among NATO members – in other words, of a genuine Atlantic political community.

Read the rest of the review at HistoryToday.com.

Yuan Yi Zhu is Assistant Professor of International Relations and International Law at Leiden University.

[Fran Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about a very timely subject. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization turned 75 in April of 2024. The author was approached by Yale University to write a book tracing the historical trajectory of NATO in time for the 75th anniversary of the alliance. And while not all would think it to be the most interesting of subjects, it is. And while subject to criticism, many fail to understand the purpose and power of the alliance.

For Europe, war was a breach of contract. Their response would involve resistance, balance of power in politics and damage and reparations. The US saw war as something they could outlaw, and they did. After Yalta (during WWII), in a meeting in Mexico, they all agreed that aggression against any would be considered aggression against all. An attack on one is an attack on all. This amounted to a slightly newer wine in old bottles.

The Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (SACEUR) has always been an American, who has also been the Commander of the US and European Command.

NATO's Secretary General has always been a European. And NATO's strategy is now a major, rapid. and resilient conventional forces.

NATO in the 21st Century can place its emphasis on NATO classic or NATO transformed. The author offers both pros and cons of each. This is an important and timely book.

[Wan Shoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"NATO" is undeniably a significant title, and it's well worth your time to delve into this comprehensive book by Sten Rynning, which took 25 years to complete. The book offers an in-depth understanding of NATO's formation and purpose. The first half details the evolution from NAT to NATO, highlighting the organization's challenges and triumphs during times of war and crisis management.

What stands out to me is Rynning's impartial commentary on areas needing improvement in crisis handling, presenting facts without bias. Given his extensive research over the years, Rynning is exceptionally qualified to identify NATO's weaknesses. His recommendations for NATO's resurgence are invaluable, regardless of the current political landscape.

The book emphasizes the importance of anticipating future challenges and taking pre-emptive actions before situations deteriorate. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of placing the right people in the right roles and achieving consensus among members for organizational success. While the US may act as a stabilizing force, European leaders can gain crucial insights into the root causes of conflicts by reading this book.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the current political climate.

 

[Jorge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by Sten Rynning, NATO: From Cold War to Ukraine... is a comprehensive book about NATO, covering from its very origins to the latest developments.

It's mostly an interesting book, especially in how it demystifies the aura surrounding NATO, showing all its complexities and flaws as well as past, current and future challenges. The book, of course, also covers NATO's (few) successes.

Although the subject is interesting and the information is worth reading, the writing style of S. Rynning isn't particularly engaging. Actually, at times, it is rather boring.

In summary, if you are interested in NATO's history, present and future, I recommend reading this book. Do not expect a non-stop reading experience, though.

[Iang95ify . · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Charts the birth of NATO from the Atlantic Charter to surviving crises from France's pursuit of strategic autonomy, different US presidential ambitions. The middle half of the book feels like a slog but picks up as after the collapse of the USSR, as NATO shifts its focus to counterterrorism and eventually, a revanchist Russia and belligerent China. Rynning offers suggestions on how to revitalise NATO further, arguing that it should build depth and not be driven by summitry.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted a lot more from this book. In the end I felt like I was choking it down. A ton of hard information and deep knowledge of NATO that just didn’t translate to much for me. If somebody asked me to explain NATO based on what I read in this book unfortunately I would not be able to tell them much… one of the more difficult reads I have undertaken in a while.

[Pedro Cabral · Rating 1 out of 5]

Li a versão traduzida das Edições 70, muito me arrependi, a tradução é péssima

[Cian Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good information but very difficult to read.

[sumo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understandable history of NATO. Good perspective, especially in light of the current atmosphere in Europe.

[Colin Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and useful examination of NATO’s history and how it’s established its place in the international order

[Finlay Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half is very confusing, and some of the arguments are a bit iffy, but it gets much better in the second half. Very interesting discussion of NATO-Russia relations. Also has a few typos.

[Alex Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive, well written but dull.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

NATO

This book was exactly what I was looking for. A comprehensive history of the organization to include the personalities and events that shaped the organizational. Up to date and includes a suggested way ahead.