Partnership for Peace: The Vector for European Security.

Abstract

Abstract : This paper discusses the origins, evolution, and future of the Partnership for Peace (PfP). Partnership for Peace was created by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to enhance political and military cooperation between NATO and the emerging democracies of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. NATO enlargement, Russian concerns, PfP Partner needs, and other forces will not allow PfP to remain static. With President Bill Clinton's declaration that NATO should announce the first tranche of enlargement at the July 1997 Summit, NATO faces a self-imposed deadline to adapt PfP to this new environment. After an extensive review of available literature and the conduct of over 80 interviews with key United States, NATO, and Partner nation policymakers, and academicians, we propose that NATO create a new Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). This Council will be a regularly meeting body of representatives of the Alliance and interested Partner countries, supported by dedicated NATO staff. The pillared structure within the EAPC will be based on three distinct areas: military issues, political consultation and civil-military cooperation. This proposal encompasses the United States proposal for an Atlantic Partnership Council but takes it a step further in organization and development as a NATO structure. Through the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the Partnership can serve as the vector for a broadened approach to security which includes not only NATO's Allies but any and all nations who share its belief in democracy and cooperation.