NATO's Small States: Albania as a Case Study
Abstract
This thesis examines Albania, one of the newest Alliance members, as a case study in the debate as to whether small states serve as security importers or providers in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It investigates the hypothesis that the benefits for NATO as a whole associated with Albanias NATO membership outweigh the costs. Albanias accession to NATO, the evolution of its roles, and its potential for expanded contributions are evaluated to assess the advantages and costs of Albania's membership in the Alliance. This project places Albanias NATO membership since 2009 in the context of its independence since 1912 in order to provide insight regarding Albanias decision making and motivations. It also analyzes Albanias contributions to NATO during its Partnership for Peace (PfP)membership in 19942009 and as an Alliance member since 2009. This thesis concludes that despite its weak economy, domestic issues, and numerically small military forces, Albania is a valued member of the Alliance that provides important capabilities in support of NATOs core tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1030728
Entities
People
- Brandon Burden
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School