Accession Number:

ADA191437

Title:

NATO Burdensharing - What Is the Burden and How Is It Shared?

Descriptive Note:

Study project rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Peebles, David L.

Report Date:

1988-03-30

Pagination or Media Count:

59.0

Abstract:

Since the conclusion of World War II, the United States has maintained a substantial part of its military force in Europe. This presence results in large measure from the United States participation in the multi-lateral mutual defense pact entitled The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. Because the United States has a historic disdain for military involvement with other countries unless there is a direct and overt threat to our national security, our participation in NATO produces periodic criticism and pressure for reduction or withdrawal. The present domestic economic situation and the debate over how our scarce resources should be allocated, coupled with concern over foreign military involvement is generating renewed questions as to our correct role in the defense of Western Europe renewed concern that our allies bear their fair share of the cost and more frequent calls for reduced involvement. This study seeks to identify th actual costs associated with maintaining NATO as a credible instrument of free-world strength. It is an attempt to go beyond a simple analysis of the monetary contribution of member nations, and examine elements of the economic, social, military and political contributions. The goal of the study is to draw conclusions regarding the total content of the burden of maintaining the alliance and how, and by whom, that burden is shared.

Descriptors:

• *NATO
• COSTS
• DEFENSE SYSTEMS
• ECONOMICS
• EUROPE
• UNITED STATES
• WESTERN EUROPE
• COOPERATION
• WESTERN SECURITY(INTERNATIONAL)

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE