NATO

:This Wikipedia article uses European English spelling because of NATO's historical use of this style as a standard{{fn|1}}. NATO is also an acronym for the National Association of Theatre Owners.

Debate on the future of NATO

The crumbling of the main "Enemy of the West" in Eastern Europe, as well as dissension between members about the American led invasion of Iraq, makes some wonder – in North America as well as in Europe – if NATO has not become obsolete. The presumed threat of terrorism could give this institution a new life, but some think also that fighting this enemy needs a completely different political and military organisation, as well as completely different weapons systems from those on which NATO was built.

Related Topics:
Eastern Europe - Iraq

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Many also argue that NATO is in conflict with the prospects of deeper European integration in the fields of foreign policy and security within the framework of the EU institutions. Some advocates for a strong EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) would like to see NATO dismantled and create common defence and foreign policy within the existing EU institutions.

Related Topics:
EU - Common Foreign and Security Policy

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In November 2004 after the re-election of United States President George W. Bush the Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik publicly discussed whether Norway would gain by strengthening her defence relations with the EU. Many Norwegian political analysts consider NATO to be a "politically dead organisation". So do several pundits and political leaders in other member nations. These attitudes will of necessity be reflected in future discussions of NATO expansion.

Related Topics:
November 2004 - George W. Bush - Kjell Magne Bondevik - Norway - EU

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