Accession Number:

ADA561973

Title:

NATO in Libya: Implications on the Future of the Alliance

Descriptive Note:

Strategy Research Project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Sheridan, Timothy P.

Report Date:

2012-02-16

Pagination or Media Count:

30.0

Abstract:

NATO operations in Libya, though considered a success by many, highlighted significant weaknesses in the alliance s ability to execute even a small air campaign against a technically inferior adversary. Operation Unified Protector also exposed a disparity in the ability and willingness of NATO members to contribute, a divergence in interests for member nations and a growing capabilities gap. Additionally, in today s challenging fiscal environment, NATO s ability to address these weaknesses and implement the fixes are significantly reduced. NATO s decision to get involved in an internal conflict, lack of clear objectives and requirement for significant logistics and mission support left the alliance poorly situated to achieve a positive mission outcome. NATO s subsequent pursuit of regime change as a required endstate threatened to break up the already fragile coalition. The alliance s material and capabilities shortfalls call into question NATO s viability in any future conflict. The need to address the shortfalls while concurrently seeking a greater role in post conflict reconstruction, HADR and stability operations are unrealistic in a constrained fiscal environment.

Descriptors:

• *LIBYA
• *POLITICAL ALLIANCES
• CONFLICT
• LOGISTICS
• NATO

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE