NATO 2020: In Search of a Security Community
NATO 2020: In Search of a Security Community

Summary/Abstract: The NATO Strategic Concept for Defence and Security adopted by Heads of State and Government at the Summit in Lisbon (19–20 November 2010) defined the core tasks and principles of the Alliance in an innovative way. In the past, NATO has been identified with a mandate of collective defence as established by Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Parties to the Treaty agreed that “an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all (…).” The New Strategic Concept, based on the Report prepared by the Group of Experts led by Madeleine Albright, defined three essential core tasks: collective defence; crisis management; and cooperative security. The Report described a common agenda and NATO objectives in a positive manner which was “to enhance international security, safeguard liberty, and promote the rule of law.” In other words, the Alliance’s new aims and objectives are not only focused on the territorial defence of its members but are oriented to protect the values of the community.

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