Moving from Theory to Action: NATO in the 1990s
Abstract
The United States trans-Atlantic tie is under stress. If not carefully tended to, the relationship could erode. As an example, if Europeans continue to reduce their armed forces' readiness levels, it becomes increasingly difficult for the United States to justify maintaining 100,000 troops in a high state of readiness. Divergences in perceptions and expectations abound not only among Allies, but also among PFP partners on the role of PFP and expanding the Alliance. As a result, Alliance machinery is being pulled in many directions. NATO faces challenges in coordinating command arrangements with the UN and Western European Union (WEU) as well as with partners in standing up Combined Joint Task Forces (CJTF). Without effective coordination, out-of-area activities can prove less than effective. A great danger to NATO's legitimacy and relevance stems not only from perceptions of institutional competitiveness but also from NATO's participation in increasingly unpopular out-of-area activities. Hence, it may become more difficult to maintain public support for NATO's Article 5 function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA394700
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Simon
- John Sewall
Organizations
- National Defense University