After NATO’s Year of Identity Crisis, a Defining Meeting

With expansion on the horizon, NATO will meet in November to redefine its purpose in response to the new threats of the twenty-first century. In a world where large-scale conventional defense may become obsolete, many are questioning the ability of NATO to adapt to the changing needs of its allies. Nato was originally founded to counter Soviet expansion during the Cold War. Realists have three worries about the future of Nato: first, they are concerned about the increased bureaucracy that will inevitably result from NATO expansion; second, they worry about whether US’s grip on the treaty will slant the alliance in a direction disagreeable to the other members; and third, they wonder whether a war with Iraq will split the allies into irreconcilable hawks and doves. To respond quickly and effectively to new threats such as terrorists or rogue states, the alliance is contemplating whether a “rapid reactionary force” is necessary and feasible to do the job. –YaleGlobal