ABSTRACT
This chapter explores three broad themes that emerged from these diverse treatments: the political-military setting; conventional defense needs; and options for conventional arms control. The conference attendees addressed the political milieu within which the alliance must operate and the political-military objectives the alliance should seek in formulating its security policies for the future. The conference first addressed an opening challenge to the fundamental future purpose and direction of the alliance. Several participants envisioned the future of Europe as one of inevitable and, from the Western perspective, positive, strong systemic change. The individuals argued that political forces coming into play on the continent have the potential for eliminating the division of Europe into different hostile camps. Participants agreed that, in assessing NATO's conventional force requirements and options, they must be considered in the overall context of nuclear deterrence, and any force improvements must be designed to bolster NATO's strategy of flexible response and reconfirm its validity.
