European Security Arrangements for the New Europe: Is NATO Irrelevant.

摘要

Recent events, including the unification of Germany, collapse of the Soviet Union and end of the cold war, the Maastricht treaty, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) , the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACO), the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFS) etc., all appear on the surface to be leading to peace and stability in the 'New Europe.' In light of these historic events and apparent new world order, there are many who now question the need for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and are calling for the creation of new security arrangements with new leadership roles. My thesis is that NATO, under United States leadership will continue in its present form to be the cornerstone of stability, security and dialogue in the 'New Europe well into the next century. My arguments will center on the following assertions: (1) The threat, both conventional and nuclear, continues to exist; (2) Current European security organizations, other than NATO, have proven ineffective in capability and resolve; (3) NATO is proven effective and will continue to be an indispensable forum; (4) Continued U.S. presence in Europe is desired; (5) NATO remains relevant and in the national interest.