International Scientific Conference Squaring the Circle : the New Global Dynamics (2026) [pp. 55-57]
AUTHOR(S) / AUTOR(I): Miroslav Glišić 
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/7067.3731.055G
ABSTRACT / SAŽETAK:
Without intending to reference his own work on the origins of alliances, Stephen M. Walt, in a recently published article in Foreign Policy titled “The Balance-of-Power Theory Strikes Again,” has inspired me with a very interesting idea: testing the balance-of-threat theory on NATO under the new circumstances created by the current U.S. administration. In this paper, I linked Walt’s theoretical concept from his book, Origins of Alliances, to NATO’s current internal dynamics. Without any doubt, the balance-of-threat theory provides a powerful analytical tool for understanding NATO’s position in the era of the current U.S. administration, but not completely and perfectly. To test the stated hypothesis, brief insights into the balance-of-threat theory and current NATO dynamics were provided, followed by conclusions on the application of Walt’s theoretical framework.