| Major (ret) Sînziana IANCU, Ph.D*, Marius BOBOCEA**
Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of the North Atlantic Alliance from the conceptual paradigm of “NATO 2.0” to that of “NATO 3.0,” in the context of the transformations affecting the international security environment, driven by strategic competition among the major powers, the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, and the reconfiguration of the United States’ strategic priorities. The analysis highlights the implications of this transition for Romania, with particular emphasis on strengthening its role on NATO’s Eastern Flank, developing defense capabilities, enhancing national resilience, and leveraging its geostrategic position in the Black Sea region. The conclusions underscore that adaptation to the new security paradigm must be pursued in full alignment with the objectives of Romania’s National Defense Strategy for 2025–2029, by maintaining the Strategic Partnership with the United States, strengthening NATO’s European Pillar, and consolidating Romania’s position as a relevant actor within the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Keywords: “NATO 3.0,” Euro-Atlantic security, Romania, Eastern Flank, Black Sea, resilience, Romania – United States Strategic Partnership. DOI 10.56082/annalsarscimilit.2026.3.86 * corresponding member of the Academy of National Security Sciences, Minister Counselor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania, email: iancu_sanziana@yahoo.com. |
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Military Sciences,
|

