Can Nato survive?

Abstract

America's relations with its European allies are going through yet another period of crisis. NATO has been a 'troubled partnership' ever since its inception, and observers may be forgiven if they view the current difficulties with a sense of deja vu. Nevertheless, there are indications that the present crisis may be significantly different from those that preceded it. In the past, troubles in the alliance stemmed from national resentment by the Europeans of American dominance. But even though the French went so far as to adopt a 'tous azimuths' doctrine, there was no widespread sentiment that the US nuclear umbrella was more of a threat to Europe than a guarantee of its security. What is distinctive about the present crisis, therefore, is that even while Soviet troops ravage Afghanistan and threaten Poland, there are mass demonstrations in Western Europe condemning America's nuclear presence as a threat. How has this come to pass, and what can be done about it?