More than 35 lakh soldiers, 20000 aircraft, even nuclear weapons, NATO is so powerful, where does it stand in front of Russia, China and BRICS?

It is not possible to talk about the world’s military power and not mention NATO. This is because NATO has about 35 lakh soldiers (active + reserve), more than 20,000 aircraft and more than 50% of the world’s total defense budget. Most importantly, its three major members, America, Britain and France, are armed with nuclear weapons. NATO’s real strength lies not just in numbers, but in advanced technology, integrated command system, satellite, cyber warfare and stealth capability. This is the reason why it is still considered the most powerful military alliance in the world.

In what, how much power?

NATOIf we look at the military strength of America, China and Russia together, the picture becomes interesting. NATO has a total of about 3.5 million troops (active + reserve), making it the largest collective military group. America alone has about 13 lakh active and 8 lakh reserve soldiers, while China has about 20 lakh active soldiers, which is considered to be the largest permanent army in the world. Russia has about 11 to 13 lakh active soldiers and a large reserve force. That is, China is ahead in numbers, but in terms of combined strength, NATO and America is considered the strongest in terms of technology.

Can Russia alone challenge NATO?

Russia is still a great power militarily, especially in terms of nuclear weapons. It has the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, as well as advanced missile systems like hypersonic missiles and S-400. But the problem is its economy and limited allies. The Ukraine war also showed that Russia has difficulty in fighting a long war in a conventional war. This is the reason why Russia’s war with Ukraine has been going on for more than four years. That means Russia alone cannot defeat NATO in a conventional war, but maintains the balance due to nuclear deterrence.

Is China a future threat to NATO?

China is a rapidly rising military power. It has the world’s largest army, rapidly growing navy and strengthening air force. China is rapidly getting closer to NATO in the field of technology. Especially in hypersonic weapons, drones and cyber warfare. Although China does not have a global alliance like NATO, it poses a tough challenge to America and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. If there is a direct conflict in future, then this competition can be very balanced and dangerous.

BRICScan become a military alternative to NATO?

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new members) is often seen as an alternative to NATO, but this comparison is not entirely correct. BRICS is an economic and strategic grouping, not a military alliance. It has no joint military command or army. Therefore it would be wrong to make a direct comparison of NATO vs BRICS. The impact of BRICS is economic and geopolitical, not military.

Do numbers alone decide war?

Modern warfare is not won just by the number of soldiers and weapons. NATO’s biggest strength is its global alliances, America’s military dominance and the combined resources of Europe and North America. Its weakness is internal politics and long war fatigue, as shown in the Ukraine war. On the other hand, Russia has nuclear power. Whereas China has manpower and industrial capacity. That means the real game is of strategy, geography and alliance. Not just about numbers.

What will happen if NATO and Russia come face to face?

If there is a direct war between NATO and Russia, then NATO will have the upper hand in a traditional war because it has more resources, better technology and stronger allies. But as soon as it comes to nuclear weapons, the situation changes completely. The principle of “Mutually Assured Destruction” says that no one wins in a nuclear war, both sides are destroyed. This is why efforts are made to avoid direct war.

Is war between NATO and China possible?

If there is a future conflict between China and NATO (or the US), the Asia-Pacific region will be its epicenter. Like Taiwan or South China Sea. China will get the advantage of geography and manpower. While NATO has the advantage of naval and air superiority with the support of allies like Japan and Australia. China may appear strong in a short-term war, but NATO may gain the upper hand in a long war.

Is America becoming weak due to the indifference of NATO countries?

America’s strength largely rests on its alliances, especially NATO. But in recent years, differences with European countries over defense spending, hesitation in the Ukraine war and over-dependence on America have raised questions. Is this weakening America? Not completely. Its military, economic and technological strength is still the highest in the world. Despite this, if unity in NATO decreases, America’s global leadership may come under challenge. That means there is no weakness, but the pressure is definitely increasing.

If Russia and China join forces, will NATO be able to survive?

Although, this is a hypothetical question, but an important issue. If Russia and China come together, NATO will face the biggest challenge. Russia’s nuclear and missile power and China’s manpower and industrial capacity together can create a great balance. Nevertheless, due to NATO’s global alliances and economic-technology superiority, it will not be completely weakened. But in such a situation the whole world will have to suffer huge losses.

NATO is still the most powerful military alliance in the world. But the world is no longer unipolar but multipolar. Russia is the nuclear equalizer, China is the rising challenger. Amidst all this, BRICS is maintaining economic balance. If there is a third world war, no one will win, there will only be losses.

Where is NATO now? Trump’s ‘madness’ has finished – Vijay Verma

Vijay Verma, Professor of International Relations at Delhi University, says, “When it comes to war, alliance has no meaning. Because all relations are determined by power. War and love should always be done on the basis of one’s own power and not on others. At the international level, the same things now apply to NATO. Where is NATO in effect now?”

According to Professor Vijay Verma, “After Donald Trump came to power for the second time, NATO is a nonsense deal. Now where is the alliance? Trump sometimes says that Greenland is ours. He makes Canada the 51st state of the US. Now no one is supporting the great nation i.e. America itself.”

He said that all types of relationships are decided by means and power. No alliance is permanent at the international level. If there was an alliance, then NATO alone would be enough to destroy everyone. Trump’s madness has ended all equations. Madness doesn’t make things work. No one will like this. There is something right or wrong, isn’t it? Things are slowly turning around at the global level.

According to Vijay Verma, as far as NATO is concerned with Russia and China, at present NATO’s influence has reduced. Both can take on NATO alone. Russia is facing competition in the war with Ukraine. Russia has been fighting a war not with Ukraine but with NATO for more than four years. “Yes, if Russia and China come together, the game can change, but that is not possible.”