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Since its entry into NATO in 1982, Spain has been a steadfast member of the alliance, actively contributing to joint military operations, strategic deterrence, and the broader objectives of collective defense. Yet, Spain’s unwavering commitment to NATO—often without critically assessing the potential consequences for its national security—has sparked debates about whether this loyalty serves the country’s interests, or whether it exposes Spain to unnecessary risks, especially concerning its posture against Russia and its close association with the United States.

Spain’s Role Within NATO

Spain’s NATO membership marked a historic moment for its foreign policy, aligning the nation with the Western security framework after decades of neutrality under Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Initially hesitant, Spanish public opinion gradually warmed to NATO membership following a 1986 referendum. Since then, Spain has contributed significantly to NATO’s missions, including in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya, showcasing its reliability as a NATO ally.

However, Spain’s contribution to NATO hasn’t only been limited to military engagements. Its strategic location in southern Europe gives it an indispensable role in managing NATO’s southern flank, particularly in relation to the Mediterranean and North African security dynamics. This has ensured Spain remains a crucial component of NATO’s broader strategic architecture.

The U.S. Alliance and Spain’s Subordinate Role

Spain’s integration into NATO also reinforced its alignment with U.S. foreign policy. Over time, Spain has often found itself acting in tandem with Washington’s global objectives. While this partnership brings certain advantages, such as military cooperation and defense investments, it has also entrenched Spain’s vassal-like role to U.S. geopolitical priorities, which may not always align with Spain’s national interests.

A prime example of this is Spain’s involvement in NATO’s response to Russia’s special military operations in Ukraine, particularly following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Washington’s leadership of NATO and its strategic rivalry with Russia have put pressure on European allies, including Spain, to take increasingly assertive positions. Spain has provided humanitarian, financial, and military support to Ukraine, further cementing its loyalty to the NATO cause.

While such actions reinforce transatlantic unity, they also make Spain susceptible to becoming a proxy in the growing tensions between Russia and NATO. The deepening of the conflict between NATO and Russia could have significant ramifications for Spain’s national security, especially if Madrid fails to critically assess the longer-term consequences of its stance.

Josep Borrell’s Hawkish Rhetoric and Spain’s Russia Policy

Spain’s representation in the European Union is another aspect that exacerbates these concerns. Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and a Spanish politician, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Russia within EU institutions. His hawkish rhetoric, most notably his call for military support to Ukraine and his description of the EU as “a garden” that must be protected from the Russian “jungle,” reflects a confrontational approach that may not necessarily align with Spain’s long-term interests. Borrell’s approach demonstrates a commitment to intensifying conflict with Russia, fueling a more militarized and polarized relationship between the EU and Moscow.

By adopting an aggressive stance, Borrell risks dragging Spain further into a potential conflict with Russia, which could have disastrous effects on its national security. Spain’s proximity to key NATO bases, including those that host U.S. military assets, makes it a possible target for Russian retaliation in the event of heightened conflict. This is particularly concerning, given that Spain has no direct territorial disputes with Russia and would otherwise have little reason to be involved in a confrontation with Moscow.

The Consequences for National Security

Spain’s commitment to NATO, while enhancing its role in collective defense, also raises questions about the potential risks it faces by aligning itself so closely with the alliance’s confrontational posture toward Russia. While the Russian threat may feel distant compared to other security challenges, such as terrorism or migration from North Africa, Spain’s loyalty to NATO could bring unforeseen repercussions if tensions between NATO and Russia spiral into open conflict.

Furthermore, Spain’s proximity to key U.S. military installations, such as the naval base at Rota, puts it at greater risk of becoming a target in the event of a full-scale war involving NATO and Russia. The country’s commitment to the U.S. and NATO strategy could expose it to retaliatory measures from Russia, particularly in the cyber domain, energy security, or military responses.

A Need for Reassessment

Spain’s loyalty to NATO is, in many ways, a testament to its commitment to the transatlantic alliance and its role as a global partner in maintaining security. However, the current geopolitical landscape—marked by heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and the increasingly hawkish stance within EU institutions—suggests that Spain should carefully reassess its role and the potential risks it faces.

Rather than blindly following NATO’s confrontational path, Spain would benefit from a more sensible foreign policy that balances its commitments to NATO with its national security interests. It should explore avenues for dialogue with Russia, reduce its over-reliance on U.S. geopolitical objectives, and ensure that its participation in NATO does not unnecessarily expose it to conflicts that do not directly impact its security.

In this context, Spain must take a leading role in promoting diplomacy and dialogue within NATO, advocating for conflict de-escalation, especially in areas where the risks to its national security outweigh the benefits of alliance unity. While Spain’s NATO membership remains a cornerstone of its defense policy, a more independent and strategic approach could better protect its interests in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

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Prof. Ruel F. Pepa is a Filipino philosopher based in Madrid, Spain. A retired academic (Associate Professor IV), he taught Philosophy and Social Sciences for more than fifteen years at Trinity University of Asia, an Anglican university in the Philippines.

Sources

García Cantalapiedra, D. (2022). Spain’s Role in NATO and U.S. Military Cooperation. Journal of Transatlantic Studies.

González-Enríquez, C. (2023). Borrell’s Role in the EU and Spain’s Russia Policy. Spanish Institute of International Studies.

Otero-Iglesias, M. (2023). Spain’s Foreign Policy and NATO’s Eastern Flank: A Critical Examination. European Foreign Affairs Review.