NATO Enlargement: The Process and Allied Views 29 pages, pdf  Download Back

NATO Enlargement: The Process and Allied Views

Publisher: Paul E. Gallis

Volume: 29 pages, pdf

Description:

In December 1996, NATO countries expressed the intention to name one or more candidate states for membership at the alliance summit in Madrid on July 8-9, 1997. Designation of candidates would be the first significant step in the process of admitting central European countries. NATO has set a target date of April 1999 for completion of current members' constitutional processes to revise the North Atlantic Treaty to incorporate new members.

Expansion of the alliance has triggered a broad debate about NATO's purpose and future. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO's missions have been evolving. The Clinton Administration believes that enlargement will enhance NATO's ability to strengthen those new missions and build stability in Europe.

NATO states continue to emphasize Article V, the provision for collective defense, of the North Atlantic Treaty. They wish to ensure that new members do not dilute the alliance's political likemindedness, nor its defense posture. At the same time, most member states believe that bringing countries into the alliance could strengthen those countries' path towards democracy, and enhance stability.