The evolution of NATO's conventional force posture
This dissertation has three objectives. The first is to describe the evolution of NATO's conventional force posture in greater detail than has previously been possible by drawing upon recently declassified government documents. The author's focus is on changes that have occurred in the role of conventional forces in NATO strategy as well as in the structure and actual capabilities of NATO's conventional forces. He examines five episodes in NATO history during which significant change in the alliance's conventional forces was seriously contemplated, attempted, or actually took place. The second objective is to explain this history. To this end, he examines several leading theories of international relations: balance of power and balance of threat, public goods, and regimes. By comparing the predictions of these theories with the historical record, he was able to identify the factors most important in shaping NATO's conventional force posture over the years. Since these factors are likely to continue to be important, this analysis allows assessing prospects for future change, the third objective. This study suggests that NATO's conventional force posture has become increasingly static over the years.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Univ., NJ (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6956094
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ARMS CONTROL
CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
MILITARY PERSONNEL
NATO
BALANCE OF POWER
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PERSONNEL
WARFARE
350100* - Arms Control- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation- (1987-)
290000 - Energy Planning & Policy