"NATO's Stoltenberg Secures Extended Term Amidst Growing Divergence and Ongoing Conflict"
NATO members have failed to reach a consensus on a new successor, highlighting growing divergence within the alliance. As the organization struggles to find common ground on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its approach to China, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's tenure has been extended for another year. Potential successors have been floated, but none have garnered the support of all NATO members. The delay in selecting a successor is partly due to US President Joe Biden's push for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take the role. The new NATO chief will have to manage differences over NATO's involvement in Asia, with the US advocating for a greater role in countering China while some European countries emphasize strategic autonomy and a focus on the North Atlantic. These divergences are expected to continue to build up and create conflicts among NATO members.