The Atlantic – John Adams: A Changing NATO for a Changing World
This post is part of a 12-part series exploring how the U.S.-Russia relationship has shaped the world since the December 1991 end of the Soviet Union. Read the full series here.
Source: The Atlantic, 21st Dec 2011
Consensus for American Security member Brig Gen John Adams is a featured author.
Twenty years after the fall of the Soviet Union, NATO can point with pride to its history. But can it point with confidence to its future? NATO’s viability in the 21st century depends on applying the lessons of the past, but it also depends on seeing the present clearly.
America’s long-term strategic interest requires effective participation in institutions that safeguard trans-Atlantic peace and prosperity. NATO continues to be the best vehicle for that effort, but whether it will remain viable depends on tough American and NATO choices. Twenty years after the fall of the Soviet Union, a successful strategy to preserve trans-Atlantic peace and prosperity relies upon encouraging the fullest participation of NATO allies in setting the alliance’s strategic course and restoring the legitimacy of the institution itself. NATO can expect success if its goals and efforts reflect NATO nations’ common purpose, as they did during the Cold War, and failure when they do not.
This article is available online .
