Poland and NATO: International and National Aspects of Poland's Membership
Abstract
NATO enlargement to Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, the debate and assimilation of the Alliance Strategic Concept, and the first two years of Poland's membership in NATO all raise questions of Poland's responsibilities deriving from its membership in the Alliance. NATO membership is more than the guarantees of the Article 5 of the Treaty. It is also a great responsibility related to the preservation of this organization's credibility, strength and effectiveness. Poland's historical accomplishments in democratic change in Central and Eastern Europe are not the ultimate factor for becoming a credible member of the Alliance. Also, it does not guarantee that Poland is a viable and capable NATO member politically, economically, and militarily. For Poland the first years of NATO membership will decide what role it will play within the Alliance. This will depend on Poland's external political efforts towards the West and the East as well as the development of its internal military and defense capabilities dedicated to NATO. An active, international politico - military role in promoting the Alliance security policy - especially towards non- NATO states - as well as its active participation in NATO military operations can help Poland to realize its role within the Alliance. This paper will focus primarily on identifying of what Poland's role should be in NATO, its regional security efforts and how its armed forces should best be configured to support that role.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404286
Entities
People
- Andrzej Knap
Organizations
- United States Army War College