Non-American SACEUR: Win-Win for NATO and the United States
Abstract
The intent of this paper is to explore the implications of the United States relinquishing its monopoly on the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) position within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The paper analyzes and assesses the implications of this proposition within the context of meeting the objectives stated in the November 2010 version of the NATO Strategic Concept. Accepting the premise that United States participation and leadership in strengthening our current alliances and international organizations is essential to American national security, it is likely albeit counterintuitive that a relinquishment of the SACEUR position would facilitate greater cohesiveness and effectiveness in NATO. Further, the paper attempts to prove that despite relinquishing the monopoly on the SACEUR billet neither the world position, stature, nor power of the United States would diminish in any tangible manner. Acknowledging that NATO stands at a the crossroads of significant importance and potential irrelevance, a bold move by the United States may very well be the catalyst for strengthening the alliance to meet the demands of the future while achieving its own national objectives stated in the American National Security Strategy and the NATO Strategic Concept.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 17, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA552987
Entities
People
- Louis B. Rago Ii
Organizations
- United States Army War College