How NATO Can Outsmart Putin

Putin's aggressive moves in Ukraine and around NATO borders are a big problem. Just throwing money at defense won't fix it. NATO needs a smart plan, like the Harmel Report from 1967, but updated for today. This new plan should focus on changing Putin's mind and actions, leading to talks and better understanding. NATO's Article 5 is important, but what counts as an attack today? Cyber attacks, underwater cable cuts, or fighter jet flyovers? NATO needs to agree on this. Russia uses deception, so NATO should use it too. NATO is stronger than Russia in many ways, but past promises to spend more on defense weren't kept. Spending more isn't the answer; thinking smarter is.NATO has an advantage in places like the High North, Baltic, and Black Sea. Finland and Sweden can help in the north. Kaliningrad is a target in the Baltic. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria can help in the Black Sea. NATO should practice these plans through exercises. Russia will watch, and any rule-breaking should be met with force. This plan might upset some, but Russia is already causing trouble. NATO needs to act now. With Trump's support for NATO uncertain, acting now can stabilize relations. Putin's mistakes in Ukraine show Russia's weaknesses. NATO can use this to its advantage, but will it? And what about planning for a post-war Russia?