On 24 February 2022, Moscow invaded its neighbour to the west. For much of Europe, Ukraine is quite literally a call to arms to fight Russian expansionism
Analysts generally agree that Turkey did get a few concessions in exchange for approving Stockholm's bid that it could point to as a victory, but overall, it has fallen short of expectations.
No stranger to a world in flux, the West's alliance has grown since the Cold War. It has fresh challenges from an old foe and a new global power to address.
A deal to enlarge the West's main defence pact and another to sell F-16s to Turkey are blocking each other. Meanwhile, Israel's war on Gaza further complicates diplomacy.
Turkey's leader is no stranger to changing tack in the national interest. He has lofty ambitions for his country's global role. Its relationship with the Arab world will be key to his ambitions.
Sweden's Nato membership and Turkey's purchase of new F-16 fighter jets from the United States seem to have been included in a bigger package deal negotiated during the summit
Nato's resolve in facing down Russian aggression is strong and the alliance's summit will show that. But its agenda will be long and complex. Al Majalla takes a look at what to expect.
Massive Nato air force exercises are following Berlin's re-drawn view of the world as Olaf Scholz appears to be accepting a bigger role for his country
Regional states have come to the realisation that fighting 'axis' members individually will have little effect, and any tactical success will likely be short-lived