Topical Talk

NATO: friends forever?

Testing the transatlantic alliance.

Collage of pages from the “NATO: friends forever?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 13 February 2026

About this lesson

In January 2026 tensions between the United States and NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) reached a new high. After President Donald Trump called for the US to take control of Greenland and threatened tariffs on European allies, long-standing trust was shaken.

What happens when allies no longer see eye to eye?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Understand what NATO is and why it was formed
  • Explore the challenges and tensions within alliances
  • Examine current examples of strained international relationships

This resource was created for the Topical Talk Festival 2026. See student discussions on this lesson here.

Skills and knowledge

  • Listening

    Step 8: Questioning
    I ask open questions to understand more
    Did you ask questions to your group to understand their choices?

    Step 12: Comparing views
    I compare different point of view
    Did you discuss different views in your group when you acted out
    the team scenario?

    Step 13: Analysing views
    I explain why different views might come about
    Did you explain your reasons behind moving or not moving your card?

  • Knowledge

    I know that alliances are difficult and can sometimes cause conflict.
    What is an example of where an alliance has caused conflict?

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