Einzelstück 8 - NATO Handbook

The transformation of the security environment in Europe since 1989 has had a profound impact on the North Atlantic Alliance. In addition to major reductions in the levels of armed forces and in aspects of their readiness, availability and deployment, it has led to a number of new or much expanded tasks for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. These include establishing a process of dialogue and cooperation with the states of Central and Eastern Europe and the newly independent on the territory of the former Soviet Union; developing a close working relationship with other institutions, notably the CSCE and the WEU, and introducing new command and force structures which reflect the changed strategic environment. In the follow-up to the July 1990 London Declaration on a Transformed North Atlantic Alliance and the publication of the Alliance's new Strategic Concept, a number of studies were set in hand to consider the future structure and organisation of the Alliance in the light of decreasing defence resources and major strategic change. Some of these studies have led to recommendations on which final decisions have yet to be made. Others have not yet reached a conclusion. However in a number of areas important changes affecting the organisation and functioning of the Alliance have already been implemented. To the extent possible such changes are reflected in this volume. (Anmerkung des Herausgebers)