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New Requirements Are Emerging for Defense Engagement in Europe

• U.S. defense priorities in the region are shifting; as a result, so will the focus of U.S. partnerships.
• RAND research indicates that, among potential problem areas, the Baltic States are particularly exposed to conventional and unconventional threats from Russia.

Strategic Trends in NATO's Northeastern Flank Vary Among Countries

• Poland is significantly willing and able to contribute resources to regional defense.
• Sweden and Finland, while not NATO members, are increasingly debating membership in light of recent events and already have close partnership arrangements with good interoperability and considerable economic resources.
• The small Baltic States are concerned by and vulnerable to Russian aggression but have limited resources to contribute to their defense. Determining the nature of optimal engagement strategies will be challenging.
• The Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary are conflicted by varying degrees of pro-Russian sentiment. They also lack capabilities. Their contributions to NATO efforts to deter Russia are thus apt to be more limited.