“A review of NATO’s changing security environment”
“A review of NATO’s changing security environment”

Summary/Abstract: Ambassador Ildem explained clearly the position and problems of Turkey . I would like to make a few generalities because my job is to describe, and analyze the present international system, the present environment of NATO the environment in which the strategic concept is elaborated. Let me say some thing about the clarity of the strategic concept. As far as I can see, since the end of Cold War no strategic concept was clear enough to address the public. This was not because of the inability of the authors of strategic concepts but it was due to the fluidity of the international system. I would like to make three general points. First I would like to begin with and optimistic note. On the occasion of the Washington summit of April1999, Secretary General Xavier Solana said “The explanation of NATO longevity lies in the unique and enduring political nature of the alliance and its flexibility to respond to changes in the security environment. Solidarity in the Atlantic Alliance depended not only on the threat of military adversary but also on the democratic principles shared by its members. The decision procedure of the alliance depended upon debate and consensus. These characteristics have led NATO to shape not only its immediate security environment but also contribute to security and stability in the broader Euro- Atlantic region. In the Cold War, NATO adopted two dimensional strategy which was defined in terms of deterrence and defense on the one hand and a continual dialog and cooperation with the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union.

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