Accession Number:

ADA311046

Title:

NATO Enlargement: Opinions and Options,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIV WASHINGTON DC INST FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Simon, Jeffrey

Report Date:

1995-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

209.0

Abstract:

NATO Enlargement begins with a review of NATOs origins, development, and expansion experiences. It then examines the usefulness of the Western European Union WEU and the Partnership for Peace PFP program as paths to NATO membership. It evaluates the efforts of the visegrad states to achieve membership and presents the perspectives of EUWEU Associate Partners Poland, Romania, and Lithuania in support of NATO enlargement. The contrary views of successor states of the former Soviet Union Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus follow. The Russian government is adamantly opposed to NATO enlargement, arguing that it would be damaging to Russias economic, political, and military interests, and would isolate Russia. Ukraine supports NATO expansion if it does not exclude or isolate states, or acknowledge any Russian sphere of influence over former USSR territory. Belarus argues the need for a European security council that reflects European interests, restricts the sphere of American influence in European affairs, and includes Russia and other former states of the Soviet Union. Taking up the question of how NATO must change if it is to enlarge, the book considers political, military and defense program requirements. When NATO enlarges, major political changes will become necessary, military command relationships will need to be modified, and defense infrastructure requirements will be enormous. Three conclusions emerge 1 dramatic progress in the Partnership for Peace program has led to a high degree of self-differentiation among the partner states, and has shifted Central European attitudes toward PFP from one of skepticism to one of enthusiastic support 2 Expansion would have a very negative impact politically within Russia, damage from which a compensation package will not fully offset and 3 NATO enlargement will take years to accomplish.

Descriptors:

• *NATO
• *MILITARY REQUIREMENTS
• *POLITICAL ALLIANCES
• *EXPANSION
• *DEFENSE PLANNING
• *WESTERN EUROPE
• MILITARY PERSONNEL
• POLITICAL SCIENCE
• NATIONAL SECURITY
• ECONOMICS
• MODIFICATION
• PATHS
• HISTORY
• RUSSIA
• GUIDANCE
• CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
• POLAND
• COMMUNITY RELATIONS
• RUMANIA
• RAPID DEPLOYMENT
• UKRAINE
• LITHUANIA
• BELARUS

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE