Abstract. The key events in NATO’s activities in 2021 were the change in the approach of the new US administration towards the alliance and the completion of the mission in Afghanistan. Containment of China is becoming an increasingly important part of NATO’s strategy, and this trend will continue as transatlantic solidarity is restored. US pressure limits the potential for the implementation of the EU’s strategic autonomy project. Despite a number of contradictions between the allies, NATO remains an organization with global interests and US leadership. Relations with Russia have reached their lowest point since the end of the Cold War, political dialogue is frozen, NATO is making more and more claims against Russia, the risk of incidents is increasing, and the potential for normalization of relations is low. All this will be reflected in the new strategic concept, which will be released in 2022.