Today’s global security landscape is the most volatile and contested it has been since the end of the Cold War. Russia’s war of aggression rages in Ukraine while allied weapons stockpiles run dangerously low. China is increasingly combative on the world stage, fortifying Beijing’s military posture in the Indo-Pacific and accelerating influence operations to undermine democratic challengers. Other volatile conflicts – highlighted by Hamas’ recent terrorist attack and Israel’s intense response – routinely dominate headlines. Moreover, mass migration and economic disruption further destabilize our geopolitical environment. How the United States chooses to ally with international partners will be critical to its security and global standing in the twenty-first century, and NATO will remain the absolutely indispensable alliance.