ABSTRACT

Understanding NATO in the 21st Century enhances existing strategic debates and clarifies thinking as to the direction and scope of NATO’s potential evolution in the 21st century.

The book seeks to identify the possible contours and trade-offs embedded within a potential third "Transatlantic Bargain" in the context of a U.S. strategic pivot in a "Pacific Century". To that end, it explores the internal adaptation of the Alliance, evaluates the assimilation of NATO's erstwhile adversaries, and provides a focus on NATO’s operational future and insights into the new threats NATO faces and its responses. 

Each contribution follows a similar broad tripartite structure: an examination of the historical context in which the given issue or topic has evolved; an identification and characterization of key contemporary policy debates and drivers that shape current thinking; and, on that basis, a presentation of possible future strategic pathways or scenarios relating to the topic area. 

This book will appeal to students of NATO, international security and international relations in general.

chapter |15 pages

NATO in an age of uncertainty

Structural shifts and transatlantic bargains?

chapter |17 pages

NATO's Genesis and adaptation

From Washington to Chicago

chapter |17 pages

NATO enlargement

Close to the end?

chapter |18 pages

NATO partnerships

For peace, combat, and soft balancing?

chapter |17 pages

NATO–Russia relations

Reset is not a four-letter word

chapter |17 pages

NATO and the Comprehensive Approach

Weak conceptualization, political divergences, and implementation challenges

chapter |16 pages

Pulling together?

NATO operations in Afghanistan

chapter |15 pages

NATO

Towards an adaptive missile defense

chapter |23 pages

NATO and energy security

Defining a role

chapter |13 pages

“Good enough is better than good”

Towards a third “Transatlantic Bargain”?