While some Central European members that were formerly occupied by the USSR continue to see NATO as a political insurance policy against a revival of Russian ambitions, NATO is no longer aimed against Russia. In fact, Russian officers are welcome to participate in military exercises and to visit NATO headquarters under the Partnership for Peace program.
北约通过不断转变得以存在。虽然一些曾被苏联占领的中欧成员仍认为北约是制约苏联野心复生的政治保证，但实际上其目标已不针对俄国。事实上，北约欢迎俄国官员在和平伙伴项目下参加军事演习并访问北约总部。残留的疑团和俄国自尊给北约俄国协议造成了局限，但该组织的重心已不在俄国。