NATO: Adaptation and Relevance for the 21st Century

Abstract

NATOs demise has been much heralded, dismissed by many as a remnant of the Cold War era, with no role in todays complex security environment. Institutionally, the Alliance has endured beyond

expected norms, evolving to remain relevant. This paper examines thematically how the Alliance has

developed, through the prisms of its institutions, capabilities and political will. Analysing the areas of

international relations and institutional theory, it establishes that NATO remains relevant. Whilst the

Alliance is more flexible than it is perceived, enlargement has brought a divergence of views amongst

members, which has led to particular tensions in burden-sharing and willingness to face risk, as

highlighted in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Whilst this dissonance continues, there is little prospect of

NATO challenging the UN in terms of legitimate intervention. The process of change must continue.