NATO

NATO: Effective Response to Terror or Institution Past its Prime?

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Abstract

International terrorism has exposed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to several persistent and complex threats that calls for a comprehensive, multilateral strategic response from the alliance. Past events and certain political factors have placed a big question mark on the responsibility and capability of NATO. This paper discusses the role of NATO, the historical context of the statement; “NATO: Effective Response to Terror or Institution Past its Prime?”, and the future predictions with regards to the reputation and role of the alliance.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

NATO: Effective Response to Terror or Institution Past its Prime?2

Role of North Atlantic Treaty Organization2

Structural2

Functional3

Debate over the Role of NATO4

Historical Context of the Debate4

Attacks of 9/114

Decision made by American Authorities5

Transatlantic Divergence among European Countries6

Predictions and Future Analysis7

Conclusion8

References10

NATO: Effective Response to Terror or Institution Past its Prime?

Introduction

The North Atlantic Treaty organization commenced its operation in 1949 when the world was experiencing the brutalities of the cold war which was separating the democratic West from a communist East. The objective of the alliance that was incorporated in the North Atlantic Treaty was to shield and guard the liberty and security of its allied member states. In Article 4, allied members vowed to consult together whenever, in the opinion or judgment of any of them, the political independence, territorial integrity, or security of any of the Parties is in danger. In Article 5, members pledged that an armed attack against the national security of one or more of them in North America or Europe shall be considered an attack against them all. The alliance guaranteed the unity of the West by protecting against possible attacks from the communist bloc until 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell. It supported the democratic principles against totalitarian ideologies. NATO's resolution assisted in keeping the continent at peace. Subsequently, it led to the reunification of Germany and a new beginning for millions of people in Eastern and Central Europe.

The primary goal of NATO in 1990s, alliance with the European Union was to unite a European state whole, free and democratic. It launched into military action for the first time in order to stop the ethnic cleansing, fights and disputes on the basis of class and cast in the Balkans. When the Cold War ended, the alliance was able to develop partnerships and coalitions with former opponents and adversaries. These included Russia and those nation states who were in favor of a democratic nation and values and who had the potential to contribute and enhance NATO's collective security. This initiative resulted in a Europe that was more united, democratic, and peaceful than it had ever been in its history (Locher, 2006).

The alliance faced numerous varied and new challenged at the turn of the century. In the past decades, NATO's defense arrangements accentuated the massing of troops for the purpose of deterring or managing a cross border attack. As of today, Alliance member states are apprehensive of the probability that regional ...