•NATO's strategic deterrence in Eastern Flank faces growing challenges in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict, as the security environment becomes increasingly complex and volatile. The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 underscored the limitations of traditional deterrence methods, which rely heavily on conventional military capabilities and nuclear deterrence. These methods, while effective during the Cold War, are less suited to counter the multifaceted threats posed by hybrid warfare tactics and the rapid advancement of emerging technologies.

•Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, advanced surveillance tools and cyber capabilities are transforming the nature of modern conflict. While these innovations hold significant potential to enhance NATO’s deterrence posture, their integration presents critical challenges. Interoperability among NATO member states, ethical considerations surrounding AI and autonomous weaponry and the adaptation of traditional military doctrines to these new paradigms remain unresolved issues.

•Furthermore, the growing prominence of cognitive warfare—strategies designed to manipulate perceptions, influence decision-making, and destabilize adversaries—adds another layer of complexity to NATO’s security landscape. Russia's use of disinformation campaigns and psychological operations has highlighted NATO’s vulnerabilities in this domain. Despite its significance, cognitive warfare remains underexplored in NATO’s strategic frameworks, leaving a critical gap in its deterrence strategy.

•The central problem is the lack of a comprehensive approach that effectively integrates emerging technologies and counter-cognitive warfare measures into NATO’s deterrence strategy for Eastern Flank. This deficiency raises concerns about NATO’s ability to adapt to modern security threats and maintain stability in the region. Addressing this issue requires not only technological innovation but also coordinated policy development, enhanced interoperability, and a reevaluation of existing strategic doctrines to account for the evolving nature of warfare.