Importance of a Knowledge-Based, Network-Centric Approach in Strengthening Transatlantic Links with New NATO Members in South Eastern Europe

Abstract

The current diversity of new risks and threats, as well as new opportunities and responsibilities for projection and protection of our common values and interests, are considered by some to be risks in and of themselves to the further development of Euro-Atlantic solidarity and cooperation. They represent a real challenge to build common assessments and strengthen perceptions about the security agenda, to define a common set of instruments, especially when it comes to military operations; necessary expeditionary forces, including their basing, modernization, training, and most of all modalities of use; combined command and control; and support for “out-of-area” actions as well as long term sustainability. In the context of transatlantic security cooperation, Bulgaria has a very clear record of supporting the first (1990/1) and second (2003) Gulf Wars as well as IFOR, SFOR, Operation Allied Force, KFOR, and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as ISAF in Afghanistan. Furthermore, just after September 11 the Bulgarian Parliament and government declared the nation’s full support for the war against terrorism, deciding to act as a de facto member of NATO, and became a full member of the antiterrorist coalition through its actions in the United Nations Security Council, with its decision to send troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, and through the provision of essential logistic support to operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the use of an air base in Burgas. But Bulgaria has done still more. At the same time, Bulgaria increased its participation in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia in order to free U.S. troops for engagement in Iraq, and, with the decision of NATO to take over the stabilizing mission in Afghanistan, substantially increased its participation in ISAF and new security programs there. Bulgaria also proposed NGO support for operations in Iraq in the form of the establishment of the Atlantic Association in Baghdad (as was done in Belgrade), and, in addition is considering offering humanitarian help to provide support for creating a new Civil Protection Service in support of the Iraqi people. Bulgaria is strongly considering an option to participate with specialists in helping to build the new armed forces of Afghanistan and Iraq. In this regard, a current subject of serious discussion is how best to support – with the help of the TEREM SHC and the Academy of Sciences’ research and development