The article addresses the contentious debate regarding Russia's military threat, anchored by a back-and-forth discussion between different commentators in Aftenposten. Professor Tormod Heier, in a previous piece, posited that Russia is not a significant military threat, stating that NATO countries collectively have an advantage over Russia in terms of economy and demographics. Heier argues that the Russian military is hindered by internal issues such as corruption and kleptocracy, which limit its effectiveness. This perspective, however, is challenged by the article's author, who raises concerns about the possibility of future armed aggression from Russia against NATO member states.

The author acknowledges Heier's valid points regarding NATO's overall superiority but questions whether these factors are sufficient to dismiss the potential for future Russian aggression. He emphasizes that even with NATO's current advantages, the risks posed by Russia's military capabilities and intentions should not be underestimated. The author argues for increased European cooperation and strategic discussions to ensure adequate defenses against potential threats, suggesting that complacency may lead to serious consequences.

This ongoing debate highlights the complexity of the security environment in Europe where perceptions of threats can significantly vary. It calls attention to the necessity for continuous vigilance and the building of strong alliances to deter any military challenges posed by Russia, as recent events have illustrated the unpredictable nature of geopolitical conflicts.