Canary Islands (Spain): Their Importance in NATO's (North Atlantic Treaty Organizations) Strategy

摘要

In March 1986, Spaniards expressed in a national referendum their decision that Spain must remain in NATO. The entrance of Spain into NATO allows this organization to reinforce its southern flank. The Spanish Canary Islands are situated on the southern boundary of that flank. This essay attempts to give sufficient general data and basic ideas to get a possible answer to this question: Are the Canary Islands really important to NATO. The subject is developed by connecting the Canary Islands with NATO through Spain's defense policy. The main aspects of the role of Spain in NATO are described, emphasizing that the military mission that country will have in the Alliance is still being negotiated. An overview with key points about the Canary Islands is provided, paying special attention to geopolitical issues and to the European personality of the Canaries. Finally, the essay gives an approach to defense strategy in the islands, linked to Spanish defense policy in general, to learn whether NATO's strategy should give particular attention to the Canary Islands' defense.