Is Membership of NATO The Best Alternative For Bulgaria's National Security?

Abstract

Abstract : After the collapse of Soviet Union and the disintegration of Warsaw Pact followed by basic political and social changes in Central and Eastern Europe, most of the former socialist states have remained vulnerable to aggression and coercion. Bulgaria is one of them. The Central and Eastern European region is continuing to accumulate tension and to produce threats based on ethnic and religious principles. It seems that NATO has remained the only power capable of guaranteeing peace and security in the region. It is simply impossible for Bulgaria to protect its national security and national sovereignty alone. The most reasonable solution to the problem is joining a powerful union such as NATO. But many Bulgarians still cannot look at NATO as a friend and a protector. They still suffer from the consequences of the former ideology. At the beginning of my paper I analyze NATO, including its core functions, its strategic concept, its initiatives for enhancing European security, and how the politicians in Western Europe see the role of NATO for achieving its goals. After that I discuss NATO enlargement as a key for enhancing security in Central and Eastern Europe and the impact of that enlargement on Russia and its interrelations with its previous allies. Next I direct the attention of the reader to the situation on the Balkans and how it affects Bulgarian national security. I examine alternatives to joining NATO for enhancing Bulgarian national security. I answer the question concerning what Bulgaria gains and loses by eventually securing membership in NATO. Finally I conclude that membership of NATO is the best solution for Bulgaria's national security needs.