Operation Gladio: How the West Wanted to Defend against the USSR

Conclusion
Operation Gladio represents a significant chapter in Cold War history, highlighting the lengths to which Western powers went to prepare for a potential Soviet invasion and counteract communist influence. The operation's confirmed aspects—such as the existence of stay-behind networks, NATO coordination, and the establishment of arms caches—provide a foundation of hard facts amidst a backdrop of secrecy and speculation. While the full extent of Gladio's activities may never be fully uncovered, its legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and often covert nature of Cold War geopolitics.