Shield of Blows or Rubber Dagger: An Analysis of an Operational Concept for NATO after Forward Defense.

摘要

The purpose of this monograph is to answer following the question: what is a viable operational concept for the conventional defense of NATO in the Central Region after forward defense. This monograph shows how forward defense made sense given the strategic situation, ends, means, ways, and risk of the Cold War era. Then, given the same criteria, this study identifies the need for a replacement operational concept. Next, requirements for NATOs new operational concept are drawn from the analysis and measured against a possible replacement concept, resilient defense. Resilient defense is offered as a possible replacement operational concept. Resilient defense is a term given to a concept characterized by its flexibility, concept of belts for force disposition, multinational corps, and attempts to address NATO's changing environment. This study concludes that resilient defense can provide NATO a viable operational concept in a time of great transition and uncertainty.