The Mediterranean Challenge--A Strategic Concept for the Year 2000
Abstract
As we approach the turn of the century, it is clear that the relatively stable cold war stalemate that has dominated the world stage since the end of World War II, is being replaced by a dynamic, in many ways unpredictable, new world order. While the final outcome of this new world order is not yet known, there are some trends that are evident. First, the US, as the only remaining true superpower, must assume a leadership role and promote positive change and greater international cooperation. And, while Joseph Nye argues that by virtue of its superpower status the US is 'bound to lead', the US must pursue its leadership role from a power base that is nowhere near as dominant as that which the US enjoyed at the end of World War II. As such, the US must exercise all elements of its national power in close cooperation and harmony with other, world leaders, including the Soviet Union. Secondly, there is a growing consensus that the geopolitical, military strategies that dominated the cold war, era are being displaced by economic concerns on the part of major powers as well as third world nations and a host of former second world communist countries. As such, it is imperative that the US gets its own economic house in order and encourages a new world wide economic equilibrium characterized by adjusted defense expenditures and subregional economic blocs that optimize economic power and competitiveness. Indeed, it may be that the future role of NATO and the US presence in Europe may be to protect Europe's southern flank as we enter the 21st century, in the same way that NATO protected the eastern flank in the last half of the 20th century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA249951
Entities
People
- Robert J. Martinelli
Organizations
- Air War College