title: ‘Back to Basics’ and ‘Out of Area’
abstract: As Allied combat forces return from Afghanistan, Russia's annexation of Crimea has reminded NATO that the security of a rules-based international system in Europe cannot be taken for granted. Efforts to reassure Allies and partners in Eastern Europe have thus become a top priority. This, however, should not lead the Allies to turn their backs on broader, global geostrategic developments – particularly at a time when Asia is emerging as the world's economic and geopolitical centre of gravity. If 
journal: The RUSI Journal