Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
David Swanson, peace activist from World Beyond War, argues that NATO is not a defensive alliance but the most powerful war-making and weapons-dealing machine in history. Far from protecting democracy, NATO has backed colonial powers and dictatorships, waged illegal wars, and acted as a global promoter of militarism. Swanson explains that NATO operates as a lobbying arm for arms manufacturers, shifting public funds from health and education into weapons and war. Its expansions and interventions are driven largely by U.S. interests, not collective democratic decisions. With partnerships that include oppressive regimes like Israel, NATO fosters endless war, propaganda, and global insecurity. Swanson calls for its abolition—not reform—and urges global resistance through diplomacy, nonviolence, and real investment in human needs.
A broad alliance of organisations and activists is organising a counter-summit and demonstration opposing NATO, taking place in The Hague on June 21 and 22. In the days leading up to the NATO summit, the coalition aims to amplify a critical, alternative voice. The event will culminate in a public demonstration against the NATO war summit, with a diverse range of participants expected from both the Netherlands and abroad.
Join the Countersummit: tni.org/en/event/no-nato-war-summit
Visit our website: tni.org
Support our work: tni.org/en/support-tni
Sign up for our newsletter: tni.org/en/subscribe
#nato #natosummit
David Swanson, peace activist from World Beyond War, argues that NATO is not a defensive alliance but the most powerful war-making and weapons-dealing machine in history. Far from protecting democracy, NATO has backed colonial powers and dictatorships, waged illegal wars, and acted as a global promoter of militarism. Swanson explains that NATO operates as a lobbying arm for arms manufacturers, shifting public funds from health and education into weapons and war. Its expansions and interventions are driven largely by U.S. interests, not collective democratic decisions. With partnerships that include oppressive regimes like Israel, NATO fosters endless war, propaganda, and global insecurity. Swanson calls for its abolition—not reform—and urges global resistance through diplomacy, nonviolence, and real investment in human needs.
A broad alliance of organisations and activists is organising a counter-summit and demonstration opposing NATO, taking place in The Hague on June 21 and 22. In the days leading up to the NATO summit, the coalition aims to amplify a critical, alternative voice. The event will culminate in a public demonstration against the NATO war summit, with a diverse range of participants expected from both the Netherlands and abroad.
Join the Countersummit: tni.org/en/event/no-nato-war-summit
Visit our website: tni.org
Support our work: tni.org/en/support-tni
Sign up for our newsletter: tni.org/en/subscribe
#nato #natosummit
