In November this year, NATO will present a New Strategic Concept setting out the Alliance's role and missions. In preparation, a NATO-tasked “Group of Experts” concluded that the prospect of direct military attacks across the borders of the Alliance is slight but that the most probable menaces are of a non-conventional nature and could arise from afar and still have repercussions in the transatlantic area. These associated dangers include four attacks: those involving weapons of mass destruction, terrorist strikes, and cyber assaults but also the unlawful disruption of energy and maritime supply lines.
In their report “NATO 2020 - Assured Security - Dynamic Engagement”, the group recommends to meet these challenges by inter alia enhancing the scope and management of partnerships and to make this a future NATO core task.
Asia plays an important role as regards the four challenges. While they may also emanate from Asia, this region is no less vulnerable to them than NATO Allies. Consequently, it would be of mutual benefit to constitute new partnerships and to enhance existing ones. In order to successfully accomplish this NATO future core task within Asia the paper outlines the needs for a nuanced approach and highlights some particularities that need to be taken into account.
Birgit HÜTTEN studied Japanology at the University of Bonn and received a scholarship from KEIO-University.
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October 22, 2010
Claudiu Dan Degeratu, EURISC Foundation, Silver Contributor (64)
Your analysis is an important step foreword in very practical terms. More precise the sub-chapter "A Framework for Partnerships in Asia" highlights most of the challenges for the Alliance. You've pointed out something which will be one of the major issue for the public diplomacy: "Consequently, a fine grasp of applicable values should have a great bearing on NATO when establishing or enhancing dialogue." Politically speaking the solution to this issue will have also an internal impact on the Allied solidarity.