ABSTRACT
The defense of NATO, admittedly a worrisome topic, should be considered in a global strategic context. The elements of this consist of: 1) a worrying international situation, due to massive growth of the Soviet arsenal and its expansionist policies; 2) A fundamental change in the strategic environment, since nuclear parity makes less credible the American promise of automatic nuclear mobilization in support of Europe; 3) the U. S. decision for rapid reinforcement of Europe in the event of a conflict, showing that U. S. resolve is still present; and 4) a growing awareness of public opinion about the problems arising over restoring a balance in forces. This essay examines successively four areas key to the balance of forces: strategic nuclear, Eurostrategic, and conventional forces, as well as the subversive element. NATO is in a paradoxical position of having forces sometimes weaker than they were in the context of the earlier strategy of massive retaliation, when their role was confined to that of an alarm bell.
