2008 European Symposium

NATO:  Bucharest and Beyond

at
National Defense University
Institute for National Strategic Studies
300 5th Avenue
Fort Lesley J. McNair
Washington, DC 20319
Phone:  202-685-3857   Fax:  202-685-3866

February 20, 2008
 

“NATO has transitioned from a defensive alliance to a security-focused alliance.”
General John Craddock, USA
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and Commander, U.S. European Command 

Symposium overview   

For nearly six decades NATO has been the central organizing point of transatlantic security.  In the aftermath of the Cold War, many questioned the relevance, usefulness, and future viability of NATO.  Through enlargement and a series of transformations the Alliance has evolved and arguably has been strengthened. 

NATO faces several real and significant challenges as it pursues complex operations, especially in Afghanistan and Kosovo, that are very different from the territorial defense missions envisioned during the Cold War.  It also is considering how best to address evolving threats posed by the proliferation of ballistic missile and nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapon capabilities.  The U.S. commitment to NATO, while still very important, continues to adapt to a new strategic environment.   And while the Alliance as a whole has not decided whether, how, and when to launch a process of revising its 1999 Strategic Concept, numerous officials within Allied governments and outside experts have suggested that such a revision is necessary to reaffirm Alliance solidarity regarding its goals and missions in the early 21^st century. 

The goal of this symposium is to identify and explore these key issues and offer a range of suggestions for the way ahead.

Key concepts:

• Program is open to the public
• Speakers will include U.S. and European military officers, government officials, and think-tank researchers (government and non-governmental)
• Presentations will be covered by NDU non-attribution guidelines, (similar to “Chatham House” rules), with willing participants available for on-the-record interviews

Featured speakers include current and former senior government officials.  Agenda and other information is available at: http://www.ndu.edu/inss/symposia/EUR2008/agenda.htm

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