Nato summit looks to stress unity in the face of Russian challenge

LEADERS from 28 countries, with a collective population of around one billion, are preparing for a landmark Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit from July 8 to 9 in Poland that will map the way ahead for the military alliance. Coming hot on the heels of the UK's "Brexit" vote, the member states will seek to underline the unity of the Western alliance in the face of an emboldened Russia and a wider suite of security challenges.

While the summit has a broad focus, which includes Afghanistan and the Middle East, top of the agenda is Russia. Following Moscow's annexation of Crimea, and the wider destabilisation of Ukraine, Nato's relationship with Russia is at one of its lowest points since the end of the Cold War around a quarter of a century ago.

Biennial summits of the military alliance can become key moments in its evolution and decision-making. For instance, the first post-Cold War summit of the military alliance was held in London in 1990 and included measures for enhancing relations with Central and European countries - many of which have subsequently become Nato members.