Paul White

Since the end of the cold war Nato's borders and membership have increased ever more towards the East. How much this caused, at least in part, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, how much this conflicts with any agreements made with Russia is a subject still argued about but which very recent official disclosures have shown were an important issue as the cold war came to its end, the re-unification of Germany progressed and the release of Eastern European states from the Warsaw Pact unfolded.

Finland and Sweden, both of which until now were declared neutral countries have openly requested becoming members of the North Atlantic Treat Organisation (Nato).

Turkey, as one of Nato's oldest and largest members has stated it will not allow the two countries to join because they are accused of harbouring PKK terrorists who are enemies of Turkey.

An appraisal....