The Role of NATO in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

Abstract : NATO has been the mainstay of transatlantic security and cooperation throughout its 55-year existence. It has witnessed a number of enlargements and evolutionary changes during this period. The most dramatic changes, however, have come during the post-Cold War period, as NATO has reached out to its former adversaries from the Warsaw Pact, to the point of accepting many into the Alliance. As the Alliance has enlarged, it has also undertaken a transformation, reflecting the new realities. In addition to continuing its core mission of providing collective defense for its members through traditional military means, the Alliance has, through engagement with the states of the former Warsaw Pact, promoted the development of democracy and stability throughout the region. The process of transformation has been successful enough in 10 of these states to lead to their membership in NATO; several others have expressed interest in eventual membership. NATO has also played a leading role in the Balkans, including the first use of force in NATO's history, during the 1999 Kosovo campaign. This paper examines the process of NATO s role in Central and Eastern Europe. It reviews NATO s engagement with these states and analyzes the success of enlargement to date. It then addresses future prospects and U.S. national interests, to include continued engagement in the Balkans, Ukraine, the Caucasus and the former Soviet states in Central Asia, the question of further enlargement and the issue of U.S. and NATO relations with Russia.