Heads of state, ministers, diplomats, and top military brass were in attendance at the Chicago summit, where the membership decided on an “irreversible” exit from the conflict in Afghanistan, confirmed the “interim capability” of its European missile defense system, and agreed to twenty different multinational projects considered foundational to the organization’s smart defense initiative, though many logistical questions remain unanswered.

NATO Secretary General  Anders Fogh Rasmussen termed the summit an outright success, declaring: “We [NATO] have focused on the future of Afghanistan; we have decided to invest smartly in our defense, even in times of austerity; and we have engaged with our partners around the world to address the challenges we all face in the 21st century.”

The progress achieved by the summit comes at a time when the organization faces an identity crisis and seeks renewed purpose amidst the end of operations in Afghanistan, dwindling financial resources, and a shift in US focus to the Pacific region.

The summit was the target of several large protests – some violent  – expressing the general dissatisfaction rife throughout much of the US and Europe, where economic recession and stagnating governmental performance have left citizens weary and angry.  Protestors with messages ranging from the anarchic to those of the Occupy Movement, capitalized on the opportunity to assemble before one of the largest gatherings of international officials on US soil in recent history.  Chicago 2012 marked only the third time NATO has held its summit in the US, and the first time it has convened outside of Washington, DC.

On the sidelines of the summit, the contentious relationship between the US and Pakistan over the latter’s failure to reopen ground transport routes to Afghanistan was on public display.  The US-Pakistan relationship continues to be critical to the development and security of Afghanistan.  A failure to mend the rift in relations could signal further destabilization of the Pakistani government, presenting opportunities for a hardline regime to assume power and jeopardize the already fragile security situation on the ground.

Overall, the Chicago summit demonstrated that there still exists a cooperative spirit within NATO, though the means and methods of implementing the resulting objectives remain unclear.  By reaching agreements on an exit from Afghanistan and initial smart defense projects, the membership has reaffirmed its commitment to the cooperative spirit of the organization.   Whether this renewed commitment is capable of withstanding the financial constraints of individual member nations as projects are implemented remains a significant concern.  The organization has clearly been impacted by the deepening Eurozone crisis; until a viable recovery plan is enacted by European officials, NATO will largely be at the mercy of its members’ not-so-deep pockets.

Conversely, the US may ultimately benefit from the agreements reached at the summit depending on how the smart defense initiative proceeds.  The program presents a key opportunity to rebalance the financial burden between the US and Europe.  If executed judiciously, this adjustment could allow for the US to allocate additional resources toward other strategic priorities.  The US still recognizes NATO as a key partner in security and will remain a staunch defender of its mission; however, it is essential that the US capitalize upon the opportunity presented by smart defense to evaluate and pursue its own defense initiatives both in cooperation with NATO and independently.

ASP Fellow Joshua Foust attended the summit and has been broadcasting daily from the event, covering the key issues and having candid discussions with those in attendance including NATO Secretary General Rasmussen, Senators Dick Durbin and Jeanne Shaheen, and Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, among many others.  Catch all of Joshua’s podcasts on ASP’s multimedia page.

For additional information on the summit, click the links below:

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s Remarks

NATO Official Document: Deterrence and Defense Posture Review

NATO Official Document: Summit Declaration on Defence Capabilities: Toward NATO Forces 2020

NATO Official Document:  Strategic Concept for the Defence and Security of the Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Lisbon, 2010)

White House Fact Sheet

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