Where is NATO's defense posture headed?

About this book

NATO's upcoming debate over how to handle new strategic challenges should address not only policy and strategy, but also the thorny details of defense budgets and programs. If the European allies lack the proper military forces, they will not be able to help meet new challenges even if their political views are responsive. Additional investment funds will be needed if they are to pursue such critical initiatives as the revolution in military affairs (RMA), peace support missions, NATO enlargement, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) defense, power projection outside Europe, and fair burden-sharing. Because some reductions seem necessary, the tradeoff between quantity and quality likely will become a defining issue for NATO. Common western interests will be better served if European forces are somewhat smaller than now, but more capable of performing new, high- priority missions. Relevant forces and high quality are the keys to the future.