Toward a New Transatlantic Compact

Abstract

This paper calls for a new NATO strategic concept and a new transatlantic compact, and envisions crafting them in tandem. Both are needed because they are intended to perform separate but interdependent functions. Whereas a new strategic concept would help energize NATO, a new transatlantic compact would help energize the overall U.S.-European partnership. Together, they would have a compounding effect, because each would reinforce and amplify the other. Part I examines the idea of writing a new NATO strategic concept. It begins with a historical appraisal aimed at drawing lessons from how NATO successfully wrote and implemented six strategic concepts during the Cold War and afterward. It then examines reasons why the current strategic concept of 1999 is outdated and needs replacement. It concludes with observations on the organizational and political mechanisms that can be employed for writing a new strategic concept. Part II examines the idea of preparing a transatlantic compact, and is entirely forward-looking. It begins by discussing the nature of such a compact, and then examines at some length the three baskets of issues that must be addressed by this compact. It concludes by discussing how the process of crafting such a transatlantic compact, along with a new NATO strategic concept, might unfold. Both parts examine issues, options, and controversies in ways intended to help identify and evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing NATO and the U.S.-European security partnership in the years ahead. They conclude that the idea of pursuing this ambitious dual-path agenda offers considerable promise, if the United States and Europe work closely and intently on making the final product successful and worthwhile. To be sure, this is a demanding agenda, but it is one that is required by the challenges and imperatives ahead.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA486328

Entities

People

  • Hans Binnendijk
  • Richard L. Kugler

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central Europe
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Foreign Relations
  • Globalization
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Teamwork
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Educational Psychology
  • Systems Analysis and Design