THE IMPERIALIST WAR MACHINE NATO MEETS AGAIN

THE IMPERIALIST WAR MACHINE NATO MEETS AGAIN
AGENDA: “TRANSITION TO A WAR MINDSET”

NATO forces will convene in The Hague, Netherlands on 24–25 June 2025. NATO—functioning as the war machine of the imperialist-capitalist system against global working-class peoples and oppressed communities—meets to plan its forthcoming agenda.

Although the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is portrayed by Western states as a “defensive alliance,” the true intentions behind this description are very different. NATO’s founding purpose was to suppress the postSecond World War rise of socialist movements, counter antiimperialist momentum led by the Soviet Union, and maintain the global dominance of the capitalist system.

The establishment of “socialist governments” in Eastern Europe and the spread of workers’ power posed a serious threat to Western capital. In response, NATO was created not merely as a military alliance but as an instrument in the class war against socialism. Grounded in anticommunist ideology, it was designed to halt socialist revolutions, crush struggles for independence and liberation, and secure the capitalist status quo.

As such, NATO represents an imperialist arrangement aimed not at defence and peace, but at safeguarding capital and standing as a global apparatus of repression against revolutionary change.

NATO: The Military Tool of Imperialism

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was established on 4 April 1949 by 12 states—led by the USA—signing the Washington Treaty. Although officially its purpose is to “defend member states from external threats,” its real role has consistently been the protection and expansion of the capitalist-imperialist system. In the aftermath of the Second World War, while the world’s peoples were striving to rebuild, the USA and its allies seized the opportunity to solidify their hegemony. In many European nations, populations that had fought fascism also nurtured socialist ideas. To stop these progressive and anti-imperialist movements—as well as Soviet influence—the imperialist powers formed NATO. It was more than a pact against the USSR; it was a security umbrella against the surge of anti-fascist and anti-imperialist sentiment in Europe. In this sense, NATO incarnates the arming of bourgeoisie against the working class and peoples. Throughout the Cold War it maintained a presence through military bases, nuclear arsenals, and covert operations. With US support, operations such as counterguerrilla warfare, the Gladio networks, coups, and dirty wars became part of NATO’s legacy. In countries like Turkey, Greece, and Italy, NATO-backed fascist structures were deployed to suppress leftist and socialist movements.

NATO’s Imperialist Wars and Interventions

NATO’s interventions have been not only military but also economic and political. Its policy of global expansion aims to protect capitalist interests, but its wars and invasions have inflicted immense suffering on peoples worldwide. Key interventions include:

The Korean War (1950–1953): 

NATO’s first major military intervention occurred when UN forces—led by the US—responded to North Korea’s invasion of the South. Under the pretext of countering Soviet influence, the war served Western interests in Asia and consolidated American imperialism, claiming millions of lives and entrenching Korea’s division.

The Vietnam War (1955–1975): 

While not a direct NATO operation, the conflict served Western imperialist interests in opposing socialist revolution in Asia. The US’s involvement in Vietnam represented anticommunist policy, resulting in vast civilian casualties.

Bosnia & Herzegovina (1992–1995): 

NATO conducted airstrikes and deployed ground forces under UN mandate, ostensibly to protect ethnic Albanians—but in reality to secure imperialist influence in the Balkans. Civilian deaths and infrastructure destruction were widespread.

Kosovo (1999): 

NATO intervened without UN Security Council approval, toppling Serbia’s rule. This action, justified by humanitarian claims, primarily aimed at enhancing Western dominance in the region. Civilian losses and ethnic cleansing followed.

Afghanistan (2001–2021): 

Following the 9/11 attacks, NATO’s intervention purportedly aimed at combating terrorism and ousting the Taliban. In truth, it also served to bolster US imperial control over Central Asian energy resources. Two decades of occupation led to massive civilian casualties and the Taliban’s eventual resurgence.

Libya (2011): 

Branded as a “civilian protection” mission, NATO’s intervention aimed to control Libya’s oil reserves and strategic position. The campaign resulted in regime change, state collapse, and deepening chaos—benefiting Western interests at the expense of Libyan people.

Ukraine (2014–present): 

Ukraine has become a key element of NATO’s expansion. Post2014, NATO has supported Ukraine’s territorial and political alignment with the West. This policy has heightened tensions with Russia and increased the risk of a broader conflict.

Syria (2011–present): 

NATO-aligned forces initially supported rebel groups opposing Assad, later increasing military presence. The true aim was control over energy routes and regional influence—at the cost of immense human suffering.

Palestine (1948–present): 

Since 1948, Israel has functioned as a Western imperial fortress in the Middle East. NATO’s indirect or tacit support for Israeli aggression reveals the alliance’s role in legitimising occupation and genocide.

Africa – SubSaharan and Boko Haram operations: 

Through French-led initiatives, NATO-backed actions in SubSaharan Africa underscore efforts to maintain Western control over resources and geopolitics, exacerbating regional violence.

NATO and Turkey

Turkey joined NATO in 1952, reinforcing military ties with Western imperialism. During the Cold War, it acted in line with NATO’s strategic interests in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. NATO’s influence on Turkey extended to its neoliberal transformation and suppression of labour movements—exemplified by the coup of 12 September 1980.

NATO’s New Expansion Strategy

PostCold War, NATO has pursued eastward expansion, a policy that intensified with the crisis in Ukraine. This expansion increases the risk of war and global instability. It fuels hostility among peoples and enhances the profits of arms manufacturers and military industries.

The US and the West’s support for Ukraine has aggravated tensions with Russia, edging the world closer to open conflict. NATO’s internal documents now identify RussiaChina cooperation as an emerging threat, aiming to preserve its relevance and influence.

NATO’s Global Aggression

Driven by the US and UK, NATO is orchestrating interventions in Palestine, Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and the Congo—often under the guise of reasserting power and countering rival China and Russia. In Palestine, backing for Israeli actions; in Lebanon, efforts to weaken Hezbollah; and in Syria, cooperation with anti-Assad forces reflect this wider imperialist agenda.

Training extremist militias in Turkey, like HTŞ and SMO, to overthrow Assad’s government further exemplifies NATO’s operational ethos.

The Urgency of Struggle Against NATO

Officially, NATO claims to uphold “democracy and human rights,” but in practice it has acted as a terrorist organisation serving imperialist interests. Its agenda fosters militarism and fuels unjust wars.

The world is drifting toward a new imperialist war. The ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict, the possible re-election of Trump in the US, and EU efforts to bolster defence budgets are all warning signs. These June 2025 summit talks will shape NATO’s future posture on “Deterrence & Defence,” “Crisis Prevention & Management,” and “Cooperative Security.”

NATO SecretaryGeneral Mark Rutte has emphasised the need to shift towards a “wartime mindset.” Discussions will focus on enforcing defence spending commitments, deploying 120–130 brigades (up from 80), and expanding Germany’s contribution—despite personnel and budget limits.

Technological warfare—such as cyber and AI strategies—is also on the agenda. The UK plans to merge its cyber and electromagnetic warfare commands. Meanwhile, NATO plans new operations targeting the Middle East, North Africa, and the African Union.

A Call to Resistance

Opposing NATO means resisting not just a military empire but also the militarisation of global politics. The alliance fuels arms races and regional conflicts, harming millions.

Across Europe, rising farright parties reflect growing appetite for “war governments.” But these forces only deepen wars and oppression.

Thousands of civilians have died in Russia’s Ukraine campaign; tens of thousands have perished in Palestine—actions that extend into Lebanon, Yemen and beyond. In Rojava, Turkey’s collaboration with NATO-linked forces continues to devastate Kurdish and minority communities.

In the face of atrocities by NATO, the US, the UK, and Israel, protests are spreading globally. A new era of antiimperialist resistance is essential.

NATO Members’ Military Spending (2024, approx.)

Country Military Spending (US$ billion)
USA 860
Germany 68.1
UK 65.7
France 56.6
Italy 31.5
Poland 29.1
Canada 28.9
Spain 19.1
Netherlands 16.7
Turkey 15.8
Norway 8.8
Romania 8.4
Finland 7.3
Greece 7.1
Belgium 7.0
Denmark 6.7
Hungary 5.0
Czechia 5.0
Others 16.5

The US accounts for around 59 per cent of NATO’s total military spending—marking a record high. This surge in budgets is a clear sign of preparation for a new imperialist war.

NATO is no ordinary defence bloc—it synchronises with Western capitalist interests, escalates militarism, and deepens global exploitation. Its interventions across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia result in mass death and catastrophic resource exploitation.

The shift to gearing up for war is apparent, and confronting NATO and its allies is now an urgent necessity. A collective, antifascist, antiimperialist international front must be built—one that unites all peaceseeking and equalitydrijven forces in resistance.

ATİK – Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe