West European and East Asian Perspectives on Defense, Deterrence and Strategy. Volume 4. Portuguese Perspectives on Defense, Deterrence and Strategy.
Abstract
This report analyzes Portugal's status within the Atlantic Alliance with special reference to Schools of Portuguese Strategic Thought. The Portuguese tradition of alignment with the dominant maritime power and struggle in 1974-5 against a communist takeover have bolstered Portugal's commitment to NATO. However, the dominance of the Portuguese Socialists in the ruling coalition has given Lisbon a more Europeanist outlook. Portugal does not wish to serve merely as an 'aircraft carrier' for NATO, preferring to increase its contribution through force modernization with allied assistance. Fearing another Arab oil boycott, Portugal has adopted a highly restrictive policy with respect to the use of its facilities by the United States for out-of-area contingencies. Moreover, Spanish integration in NATO will be problematic for Portugal, which fears Spanish domination. Keywords: Azores Base Agreement, Island mentality, Schools of strategic thought, Opposition to 'Icelandization', Atlantic orientation, Military modernization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA166165
Entities
People
- Charles M. Perry
- Jacquelyn K. Davis
- James E. Dougherty
- Robert L. Pfaltzgraff Jr.