Why Military Alliances Still Matter

Summary of Episode 9:

When we talk about global power, it’s easy to picture countries like the United States, China, or Russia acting on their own. But the truth is, no nation operates in isolation. Military alliances—formal partnerships where states agree to defend and support each other—are some of the most influential forces shaping the world today.

NATO is the clearest example. Formed in 1949, it rests on one principle: an attack on one member is an attack on all. That idea of collective defence has kept the alliance strong through the Cold War, the War on Terror, and now the tensions around Ukraine. Outside of NATO, partnerships like AUKUS between Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. are shifting the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific by sharing advanced technologies, like nuclear-powered submarines. Even quieter treaties like ANZUS, linking Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., play a role in regional stability.

These alliances matter because they deter aggression. When a country knows that attacking one state will trigger the response of many, it thinks twice. They also allow members to pool resources, intelligence, and technology while showing the world that they’re not standing alone. In an age of cyberattacks, drones, and shifting influence, these networks of trust and power are more relevant than ever.

Of course, alliances are not perfect. They can heighten rivalries, pull countries into wars they may not want, and create constant tension over whether partners will follow through when tested. Still, the fact that countries continue to form and maintain them shows how essential they are.

Military alliances are not just about weapons or treaties. They are about trust, strategy, and signalling. They decide who stands together in times of crisis, and in today’s uncertain world, that decision can make all the difference.