Editor's note: Read all of Security Clearance's coverage of the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago
By Elise Labott
As 60 world leaders descend upon Chicago for the NATO summit, the future of NATO's mission in Afghanistan will be center stage - but NATO's members also will be confronted with a bigger issue of whether the organization can remain relevant.
The challenges going forward are much different and far more complicated than the ones that faced the founders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 60 years ago. Then, the premise was simple: an attack in Europe or North America against any member is an attack against all. The Soviet Union was the common enemy that created a shared sense of purpose among NATO allies.
Today, NATO's battlefield knows few bounds, with threats ranging from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to cyberattacks, piracy and disruption of energy supplies.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the alliance has operated mostly away from Europe's backyard.
Missions in Afghanistan and over Libya have reflected a shift from a European defense organization to a global security organization that confronts threats before they reach NATO's border. NATO has also undertaken counterterrorism operations in the Mediterranean Sea, supported African Union peacekeeping missions, conducted anti-piracy operations near the Horn of Africa and assisted with humanitarian relief in Pakistan.
Read also: A user's guide to the Chicago NATO summit
This new global engagement has not always been popular with member-state citizenry, many of whom who saw the missions in Afghanistan and Libya as wars of choice rather than of necessity, ones that cost nations in blood and treasure and put unwanted strains on national budgets during a global financial crisis.
The decade-long NATO involvement in Afghanistan has produced what some have described as collective fatigue among European allies and questions about whether NATO should be involved in conflicts outside of Europe's backyard.
Europe's collective fatigue with NATO's globetrotting has often left the United States shouldering most of the burden, which is considered one of NATO's greatest shortcomings. The United States now covers 75% of NATO defense budgets, while the majority of allies don't even allocate NATO's benchmark 2% of gross domestic product to defense.
Sharp reductions in European defense budgets have only increased dependence on the United States.
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates left office with a parting shot to NATO by saying that it's unequal burden sharing could erode the alliance. Bemoaning Europe's lack of political will and slashing of its defense budgets, Gates said Congress was tired of footing the bill and warned of a "dim if not dismal future" for the trans-Atlantic alliance if Europe does not step up.
In Afghanistan, several NATO members did not permit their soldiers to fight, focusing instead on development work in quieter areas of the country. And in the recent operation in Libya, only eight members of the alliance took part. The U.S. decision to "lead from behind" in Libya forced members to use their military assets. Yet American aircraft and surveillance were still needed to sustain several of the missions, exposing troubling shortcomings in Europe's defense capabilities and reliance on US military support.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO's secretary general, has challenged members to embark on "smart defense," essentially pooling assets with the goal of developing and sharing better key military capabilities. While the United States seems ready to meet the challenge, the commitment of NATO's European members, embroiled in the euro crisis, is unclear.
Although NATO was founded with a pledge to unite a Europe whole and free, plans for enlargement have not been a priority. In a time of austerity, the alliance has sought to reshape itself by strengthening partnership with other states. NATO currently is engaged in partnerships with more than 50 countries in various regional configurations.
Efforts to work closer with Russia, however, have faltered. NATO and the Kremlin agreed to seek ways to cooperate on missile defense but have failed to reach a deal. Moscow wants a legally binding treaty that the missile defense system will not be used to counter Russia's deterrent, but Washington says while the system is not aimed at Russia, it cannot agree to any formal limits on the system.
NATO's reputation for years to come will rise and fall on the future stability of Afghanistan.
The alliance pledged to withdraw its combat forces by 2014. Before then it must train Afghan security forces to maintaining stability in that country. But even after 2014, the alliance's role in Afghanistan will not end and NATO has ensured ensure continued international support even after its troops leave. .
Still, once the mission in Afghanistan is over, NATO will be without a major operation for the first time in 20 years. Some argue that NATO should get back to its basic mission of protecting the homeland security of its allies
"Maybe we need to work closer to home and focus on threats to security in the trans-Atlantic arena in a more diverse way - cyber, energy, terrorism and infrastructure protection," says Kurt Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and now a fellow at the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. "That might generate more public support than sending more troops to a place like Afghanistan."
In an Atlantic Council report on NATO entitled "Anchoring the Alliance," former U.S. ambassador to NATO Nicholas Burns argues that even that even though Europe must show more commitment to NATO's joint security, the United States can't "hand off" responsibilities to NATO.
"The U.S. is the essential member of NATO," Burns wrote. "It cannot 'lead from behind.' American leadership should leverage greater European and Canadian contributions but they are not substitutes for American involvement, purpose and power."
Europe has been the core of U.S. security interests since World War II. Before the 2010 NATO summit in Lisbon,Portugal, President Barack Obama cited Europe as Washington's reliable partner of choice in dealing with international security problems, saying the United States doesn't have any partners in any other parts of the world that shares "such close alignment of values, interests, capabilities and goals." Obama is sure to reaffirm this commitment when he hosts NATO leaders in Chicago.
Yet earlier this year the president also made clear the U.S. is shifting its defense policy toward advancing strategic interests in Asia and the Pacific as a "top priority" in an effort to counter China's growing military might.
This suggests a shrinking common purpose between Europe and the United States, which leaves pointed questions about the future solvency of NATO as a trans-Atlantic security organization.
carry on, dont stop
http://toubiafrance.com/how-to-choose-a-car-body-repair-shop/
Great article. Couldn't be write much better! Keep it up!
https://www.rocksoffrpm.com/picking-commercial-hvac-repair-solutions/
I really like this post
https://www.gt86academy.com/just-how-to-read-an-hvac-fix-cost-number-cheap-and-expensive-replacement-areas/
Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=12039124596540498887
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=106407147833378062
very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.
https://goo.gl/maps/z5QxDM4xnvD2
is chloroquine an antibiotic https://pharmaceptica.com/
sildenafil 48 tabs https://www.pharmaceptica.com/
sildenafil 110 mg https://pharmaceptica.com/
new york erectile dysfunction https://pharmaceptica.com/
who chloroquine https://www.pharmaceptica.com/
taldenafil https://pharmaceptica.com/
sildenafil brand name in canada https://pharmaceptica.com/
generic sildenafil in usa https://pharmaceptica.com/
sublingual tadalafil https://pharmaceptica.com/
chloroguine https://pharmaceptica.com/
tadalafil goodrx https://www.pharmaceptica.com/
erectile booster method reviews https://pharmaceptica.com/
419628 840671Hi there. Quite cool internet site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your internet site and take the feeds additionallyI am glad to locate so considerably beneficial information appropriate here inside the post. Thanks for sharing 249733
If I start a blog on Myspace, will it get listed in search engines like Google?
https://www.facebook.com/KateKowalskyWebMarketing
comparison of 10 mg cialis price price of cialis cialis super active
best drugstore eyeshadow mail pharmacy hot canadian pharmacy
cialis/dapoxetine generic cialis testimonials does alcohol affect cialis
ambien canada pharmacy retin a online pharmacy facts about prescription drugs
overnight cialis with dapoxetine cialis with dapoxetine overnight delivery australia black cialis 800mg
is canadian pharmacy safe best online canadian pharmacy 2016 pharmacy in vancouver canada
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
https://wifidb.science/wiki/Just_after_Faculty_Systems_An_Approach_In_the_direction_of_Earning_Of_Responsible_Youth
thanks for sharing!
http://bikramyogaleicester.co.uk/blog/2017/12/22/festive-classes-this-saturday
Keep this going please, great job!
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Relentless+Collision/@35.8167572,-78.597496,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xecfa0d223ab3249d!8m2!3d35.8167572!4d-78.597496
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
https://blogawayhunger.com/auto-body-repairs-work-with-budgets/
carry on, dont stop
https://www.federatedfinancial.com/
Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
http://www.letmetalk.info/discussions/https-www-tophealthpills-com-vitrexotin.html?start=180
thanks for sharing!
http://drpetepublishing.com/activity/p/456357/
very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.
https://manchesterclopedia.win/wiki/Pressure_Washing_Solutions_Finest_Way_to_Revamp_Your_Household
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://www.humandesignforeveryone.com/board/board_topic/5096042/1430634.htm?page=5
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.
https://thinfi.com/05smq
Great article. Couldn't be write much better! Keep it up!
https://docdro.id/2g5MFmJ
Thanks for the information.
http://sc.devb.gov.hk/TuniS/highcaliberinc.com/pressure-washing-merritt-island-fl/
pfizer viagra online pharmacy legitimate canadian pharmacies online non prescription drugs
I am really happy to say it's an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.startbuyingonebay.com/strategies-for-deciding-on-the-tension-washing-solutions/
this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.palrammiddleeast.com/pressure-washing-providers-most-effective-way-to-revamp-your-household/
Very interesting,good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.calcup.com/forum/player-looking-for-a-team/player-looking-for-a-team-to-play-in-super-women-s-division/p-19
generic cialis black .99 for cialisis cialis 20mg overnight
Thank You for your information. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
http://ttlink.com/fallflax58
buy cialis online in new zealand free viagra and cialis samples buy brand cialis overnight
Lasix online pharmacy phentermine Sumycin
does 5mg cialis work cialis tablets cialis powder
pay cialis with pay pal generic for viagra or cialis cialis powder
buy online cialis buying cialis in australia buy cialis in canada
physicians rx pharmacy canadian pharmacy zephyrhills vipps certified online canadian pharmacies
cialis price online purchase cialis viagra vs cialis
side effects of hydroxychloroquine 200 mg buy aralen online uk hydroxychloroquine 200 mg
maxim peptide tadalafil review tadalafil blood pressure tadalafilo
long term side effects of plaquenil chloroquine phosphate uso medical abbreviation
hydroxychlor tab 200mg aralen hydrochloride hydroxychloroquine 200 mg high
maxim peptide tadalafil review buy cialis pills tadalafila 20mg
is chloroquine an antibiotic nice bnf is chloroquine safe
cost tadalafil generic cialis 20 mg tadalafil contraindications
I am really happy to say it's an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17978662104161179375
I really like this post. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=15320961285137417484
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3749495615142933531
pharmacy technician online degree most reputable canadian pharmacy online abilify canada pharmacy
Nice topics, very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7303871615475803397
cialis dosage vs viagra best cialis prices online cialis levitra viagra sample pack
tadalafil without a doctor prescription cialis pills tadalafil from india reviews
cialis usa walmart pharmacy cialis prices cialis pre
hloroquine vitriol chloroquine antimalarial
new cialis commercial 2010 generic cialis cost viagra vs cialis reddit
what is tadalafil used for tadalafil order online no prescription taladifil
what are prescription drugs canadian pharmacy viagra 50 mg reviews of canadian pharmacy
choloquine conseil d'Г©tat side effects of chloroquine
no prescription pharmacy paypal pharmacy rx one complaints rx
how many milligrams of cialis can you take in a day ? does cialis increase ejaculation cialis no rx
all drugs issued under a prescription_______. north pharmacy canada nearest cvs pharmacy store
Wow this blog is very nice!
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2701940142406558565
Keep this going please, great job!
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=13457530161831052831
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=13336008336015345972
buy cialis online using paypal generic cialis with dapoxetine cialisis
uk pharmacy medicine store pharmacy jan pharmacy canada
cialis 20mg tablets price cialis fiyat cialis at walgreens
generic cialis tadalafil 20 mg from india how to get maximum effect from cialis lower cost cialis
how much does cialis cost with insurance cialis precautions safe place to buy cialis online
adipex canadian pharmacy canadian vipps pharmacies buy drugs online canada
maximum dose cialis viagra vs cialis/strong> how long does it take for cialis to work?
cialis generic date cialis 20 mg cialis®
side effects of cialis https://krocialis.com/ – recommended cialis dose real cialis on line ordering
free cialis samples https://cialisjla.com/ – cialis pay with paypal cialis original
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.scoop.it/topic/what-you-didn-t-know-about-air-conditioning-contractors
walgreen pharmacy store locator pharmacy store near me online indian pharmacy
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective. Flooring Installers of Pittsburgh, 1933 Crafton Blvd #5, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 415-7629
https://www.scoop.it/topic/window-washing-business-complexes-need-the-service-by-window-cleaning-denver-6