NATO

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

By: Sten Rynning

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Paperback | 22 September 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
400 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
1.97 x 1.27 x 0.24

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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.

About the Author

Sten Rynning has researched and written on NATO for twenty-five years. He is a professor and director of the Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, and the author of NATO in Afghanistan and NATO Renewed.

Industry Reviews

"Excellent."-Lawrence Freedman, Times Literary Supplement

"[Rynning] draws upon his own extensive experience in tracing what he convincingly argues is a repeating cycle within the alliance, between periods of ambition and disillusionment."-Emma Salisbury, Engelsberg Ideas

"A subtle and thought-provoking book, unflinching in its sober realism about the tensions at the core of NATO's existence."-Yuan Yi Zhu, History Today

"A well-documented and well-argued exposition. Rynning's book carries important lessons about how past crisis management has strengthened transatlantic alliance relations."-Liselotte Odgaard, International Affairs

"[A] comprehensive and highly readable history of NATO's first 75 years."-Trevor McCrisken, International Affairs

"Extremely readable. It provides a great overview of what NATO is, why it came about, and how it has evolved. Rynning does an excellent job."-James Goldgeier, author of The Future of NATO

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