NATO Enlargement: Pro and Con Arguments (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
April 14, 1998 |
| Report Number |
97-718 |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In March 1998, the Senate began debate on the Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty (Treaty Doc. 105-36)for the purpose of amending the Treaty to admit Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The U.S. Senate must give its advice and consent to revise the North Atlantic Treaty and admit new members. Key arguments favoring U.S. approval of enlargement include the need to bring stability in central Europe; building a strong transatlantic link with new European democracies; and extending collective defense to countries that remain concerned about a potential Russian threat. Key arguments against NATO expansion include the concern that it will exacerbate tensions with Russia; result in substantial costs and risks that the allies are unwilling to share and the American people are unwilling to shoulder alone; and dilute the mission, political likemindedness, and military effectiveness of the alliance.
