NATO Expansion - The Struggle to Achieve Full Partnership.
Abstract
If NATO is to continue to be successful as a security guarantor, it must adapt itself to the current geo-political realities of today's European landscape. Membership expansion is clearly a key element of NATO's strategy in achieving this goal. Recently, invitations to join NATO have been extended to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The Madrid Conference was just the beginning of a long and arduous process that will hopefully culminate in full partnership for these fledgling candidate nations. Initially these countries will be unable to fulfill their commitments as fully contributing partners. Their formal entrance into NATO will occur in April, 1999, but it will take at least 15-20 years to complete the transition from cold war opponents to fully capable alliance members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 21, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344873
Entities
People
- William M. Dietrick
Organizations
- United States Army War College