North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Collective Defense Effort: The Burden Sharing Controversy.

摘要

The paper is an analytical study of an issue which could severely disturb the cohesion of NATO. Burden sharing can be regarded as one of the fundamental principles of an alliance consisting of sovereign states. The members of NATO repeatedly declared their willingness to share the risks, costs, and responsibilities as well as the benefits of the common defense. In the U.S. many people believe that the European Allies share an insufficient part of the common defense burden. In fact, this perception is true if burden sharing would be only a matter of comparing financial contributions. However there are several other factors which are also analyzed and assessed. Despite the current controversy it should be emphasized that the basic common interest of NATO to counter the Warsaw Pact's military threat has not changed. The security and prosperity of Europe and North America still depends--and will depend--on a strong NATO. However, burden sharing is a prerequisite for maintaining solidarity and cohesion within NATO. Therefore, the recommendations offer at least a partial solution of the controversy. (kr)