NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) experienced an interesting and – speaking of a military alliance – an unparalleled development in recent years. It changed from an alliance of collective defense with a declared enemy to a multifunctional alliance for collective security. Not only was and is it the only contractual basis between the partners on both sides of the Atlantic but – despite all differences – it was to form a community of values among its members.
However, it is rather uncertain to predict whether or not both sides of the Atlantic will continue in that mentality. Therefore based on two possible trends regarding NATO, the author of this work is going to examine how the relationship of the alliance changed or is going to change on principle and in some particular cases of “out of area” operations and stabilizing missions. Within this context future possibilities, political wills on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as alternative regional approaches in regard to this type of tasks will be observed here. Subject to this survey are also current developments and fundamental strategic considerations regarding the transatlantic relationship within NATO context and burden sharing.
Table of Contents
1. Latest trends in the development of NATO
2. Growing Problems and tensions in transatlantic relationship – two possible scenarios
2.1 Scenario 1 – Revitalization of a collective security alliance with two strategic pillars
2.2 Scenario 2 – An increasing state of competition between NATO/EU and US/EU
3. The question and lesson of burden sharing in Afghanistan and after
3.1 Afghanistan and after – the need for a more flexible approach
3.2 The US. “Pivot to Asia” and the challenge for Europe – Smart Defence/Pooling and Sharing as a solution?
4. Solution approaches for a more equal burden sharing in a pragmatic and more autonomous transatlantic relationship
5. Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives and Research Focus
This work examines the structural transformation and reevaluation of the transatlantic relationship and the role of NATO in an evolving multipolar world order. It investigates how burden sharing in "out-of-area" missions and stabilizing operations can be adapted to current geopolitical shifts, specifically focusing on the pressure for a more pragmatic and autonomous cooperation between the United States and the European Union.
- Analysis of current challenges to the transatlantic bond and NATO's future strategic orientation.
- Evaluation of two prospective scenarios for the future of NATO (integrated alliance vs. competitive fragmentation).
- Assessment of lessons learned from the ISAF mission in Afghanistan regarding burden sharing.
- Examination of the "Pivot to Asia" strategy and the implications for European military and civil capabilities.
- Investigation of "Smart Defence" and "Pooling and Sharing" as potential solutions for enhancing European autonomous security.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Afghanistan and after – the need for a more flexible approach
NATO's fist real out-of-area mission was the taking over of the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) mandate in Afghanistan in 2003. Initially, the approximately 4500 soldiers were only stationed in the capital Kabul, before NATO gradually increased its area of responsibility across the whole of Afghanistan. At its peak, more than 130,000 soldiers from 28 NATO states and 20 non-NATO states participated in ISAF. In spite of some visible progress (healthcare system, provision of the population, education system, etc.) the ISAF mission, which will officially run out at the end of 2014, is far from a success story. The scale of the task was underestimated, and the desire for change in the Afghan population fell far short of expectations. The goals the Western powers had initially aimed for proved to be too ambitious and idealistic. At the same time it has to be emphasized that, with timely historical, cultural and ethnic expertise on the part of the West, this could have been recognized much earlier.
Ultimately, from 2008 onwards, burden-sharing in Afghanistan consisted in the US as the leading power of OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) waging an intensive antiterror war against the Taliban and Al-Qaida in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, whilst the NATO allies carried out the antiterror and security missions, particularly in the south and east of the country. This also took place under American leadership and received police, political and civil support from UNO and EU. In retrospect, with regard to future out-of-are missions a rather mixed picture can be drawn from the Afghan mission, although missions in this form will in all probability not become the norm in the medium term. In spite of some good attempts at specialized burden-sharing, the allies' views have been and still are too different with regard to the practical organization and an appropriate burden-sharing.
Chapter Summary
1. Latest trends in the development of NATO: This chapter outlines NATO's transition from a collective defense alliance to a multifunctional collective security organization and highlights the increasing divergence between transatlantic partners.
2. Growing Problems and tensions in transatlantic relationship – two possible scenarios: It presents two distinct future models for the alliance, exploring either a revitalized global cooperation or a scenario characterized by competition and fragmentation.
3. The question and lesson of burden sharing in Afghanistan and after: This section evaluates the experiences from the ISAF mission and explores the challenges of coordinating military and civil capabilities in future out-of-area operations.
4. Solution approaches for a more equal burden sharing in a pragmatic and more autonomous transatlantic relationship: This chapter suggests strategies for Europe to become a more capable and respected partner by enhancing its autonomy and civil-military planning.
5. Conclusion and Outlook: The final chapter summarizes the shift toward an era of pragmatism and emphasizes the continued necessity of deep cooperation between the US and the EU to reinforce their individual positions globally.
Keywords
NATO, transatlantic relationship, burden sharing, out-of-area missions, Afghanistan, ISAF, Smart Defence, Pooling and Sharing, European Union, security policy, crisis management, multilateralism, US Pivot to Asia, collective security, military capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the future of NATO burden sharing, particularly regarding out-of-area missions, and analyzes how the transatlantic relationship is being restructured due to new geopolitical challenges.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers the transformation of NATO, the challenges of transatlantic cooperation, the lessons from the Afghanistan mission, the impact of the US pivot to Asia, and strategies for European military autonomy.
What is the central research question?
The central question concerns how the transatlantic alliance can be effectively maintained and restructured through more equal burden sharing, considering two possible development scenarios for NATO.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis based on security policy discourse, literature review of strategic concepts, and an examination of current geopolitical developments within the transatlantic context.
What does the main body address?
The main body assesses historical mission trends, evaluates the "Smart Defence" and "Pooling and Sharing" initiatives, and discusses the shift toward an interest-based, pragmatic partnership between the US and Europe.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include NATO, burden sharing, out-of-area missions, Smart Defence, transatlantic partnership, and European security autonomy.
How does the "Pivot to Asia" affect Europe?
The US pivot to Asia requires Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security and crisis management in its immediate periphery, as American attention and resources shift away from the Atlantic.
What is the significance of the "Smart Defence" initiative?
Smart Defence aims to address military capability gaps and economic constraints by encouraging NATO members to prioritize essential assets and engage in multinational cooperation to sustain security effectiveness.
- Quote paper
- Christian Rucker (Author), 2014, The future of NATO burden-sharing in “out-of-area” missions considering latest developments in the transatlantic relationship, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/320928
