Development of the Strategic Framework for NATO Commitment to Euro-Atlantic Security

Abstract

In almost seven decades of existence, NATO adopted seven strategic concepts, which consolidated significantly the role of this organisation in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. The priorities promoted through these documents derived from the implementation of the North-Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington, in April 1949. Furthermore, it provides the framework for continuous adaptation of the way in which NATO is working, while optimising the Alliance approach towards security evolution. From this perspective, the radiography of the past decades indicates the existence of several decisive stages in the overall development of NATO strategic approach. The outcome of this process has become visible both in the maturity of the organisational profile as well as in the comprehensiveness of the tools developed for providing collective defence. In this vein, the strategic concepts have represented the landmarks of NATO’s transformation process providing the practical and conceptual tenets, which have contributed to the efforts of maintaining the stability in Europe and to the consolidation of the activity of this organisation in the field of crisis management.