DOCSLIB.ORG

NATO: Senate Floor Consideration of the Accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
NATO: Senate Floor Consideration of the Accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland 98-669 F CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web NATO: Senate Floor Consideration of the Accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland August 10, 1998 (name redacted) Research Assistant Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division (name redacted) Senior Specialist in International Security Policy Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress Abstract This report summarizes the key issues in the 1998 Senate floor debate on NATO enlargement. It includes as appendices the Resolution of Ratification approved by the Senate on April 30, 1998, a record of the final vote on the Resolution, texts of key amendments considered in the debate, and a summary of executive reporting requirements included in the Resolution. Other CRS reports relating to this topic include IB 95076, NATO: Congress Addresses Expansion of the Alliance and CRS Reports 98-214, NATO Policy: Selected Legislation in the 103d, 104th, and 105th Congresses; 97-708, NATO’s Evolving Role and Missions; and 97-1041, Senate Consideration of the North Atlantic Treaty and Subsequent Accessions: Historical Overview. This report will not be updated. NATO: Senate Floor Consideration of the Accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland Summary The 1998 Senate debate on the accession to the North Atlantic Treaty by the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland was spread across eight days from March 17 to April 30. Enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was favored by the leadership of both parties, and during the debate the Resolution of Ratification was widely expected to pass. Opponents of NATO enlargement structured most of their arguments and amendments as expressions of concern about the future of the Alliance as it moves into the 21st century. The Senate gave its advice and consent on April 30, voting 80-19 in favor of ratification. The central point of contention between supporters and opponents of NATO enlargement was a disagreement over if and how NATO should change its Strategic Concept to fit the post-Cold War world. Supporters of enlargement generally believed the Alliance should continue its evolution into a versatile defender of Western interests. Opponents viewed such evolution as not conforming to the terms of the 1949 Washington Treaty. The American share of enlargement costs concerned Senators on both sides of the debate. Supporters tended to accept lower cost estimates and to declare that enlargement was a worthwhile expense. Opponents worried that the Senate was signing a “blank check” which could spiral out of control, and sought to lower the U.S. share of the NATO's common costs from the current level of around 25 percent. Two issues with open-ended implications played key roles in the debate. The first was Russia. Opponents were concerned that adding the three applicants would bolster extreme factions in Russia and strain United States-Russia relations. Most supporters cited Alliance efforts to engage Russia and to aid its transition to democracy; they argued that Russia would eventually see NATO's defensive nature. The second issue was how enlargement would affect European stability and U.S. security. Supporters focused on the need to maintain U.S. engagement in Europe and its ability to meet new security threats. Opponents warned of Russia becoming a regional destabilizer and argued that adding three countries to those the United States is committed to defend would further stretch what many considered an already overburdened military. Little debate took place about any moral responsibility the West might have concerning the past injustices done to the three applicants; these issues, however, were clearly important to many enlargement supporters. Many viewed enlargement as the fulfillment of American promises during the Cold War and a way by which the West could redeem itself for the abandonment of Eastern Europe in the wake of the Second World War. Two conditions on ratification were also debated by the Senate. The first mandated a three year pause before any future rounds of accession; the second linked NATO and European Union membership. The sponsors of the resolution of ratification argued that such conditions would limit NATO's effectiveness. Contents Introduction ......................................................1 Strategic Concept..................................................1 The Future of the Alliance .......................................1 Supporters ...............................................1 Opponents ...............................................2 Ashcroft Amendment...........................................3 Kyl Amendment...............................................4 Bingaman Amendment .........................................5 Costs / Burdensharing ..............................................6 Opponents ...............................................6 Supporters ...............................................8 Russia...........................................................9 Responses ...............................................10 European Stability / American Security ...............................12 Supporters ..............................................12 Opponents ..............................................14 Moral Responsibility / Historical Injustices ............................15 Moral Responsibility ......................................15 Historical Injustices.......................................16 Mandated Pause..................................................17 Arguments in favor .......................................17 Arguments in opposition ...................................18 Linking NATO and European Union Membership.......................19 Arguments in favor .......................................20 Arguments in opposition ...................................20 The Final Vote...................................................21 Appendix 1: Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic .........................23 Appendix 2: Amendments Relating to the Strategic Concept ..............35 Appendix 3: Amendments Relating to Costs and Burdensharing ...........38 Appendix 4: Warner and Moynihan Amendments .......................40 Appendix 5: Executive Responsibilities, as Stipulated in the Resolution of Ratification Passed by the Senate on April 30, 1998 ..................41 NATO: Senate Floor Consideration of the Accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland Introduction On April 30, 1998, the U.S. Senate, by a vote of 80-19, gave its advice and consent to the accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland to the North Atlantic Treaty. The wide-ranging debate included consideration not only of the qualifications of the three candidates but, perhaps more importantly, of the quality of the Alliance itself. Senators discussed NATO's evolving mission, cost and questions of burdensharing, relations with Russia and other matters. This report summarizes the main issues in the debate. Strategic Concept The question of how, if at all, NATO should adapt its mission to fit the security environment of the post-Cold War world sparked some of the Senate's most contentious debate. From the outset of the debate, enlargement was linked to the development of NATO's Strategic Concept and the degree to which it should focus on new missions beyond collective defense. Many supporters of enlargement believed a broader mission profile would strengthen NATO by ensuring its relevance in a new European security structure. Others argued that the redefinition of the Strategic Concept amounted to “treaty creep” -- that is, it would create a NATO organization beyond the scope of the North Atlantic Treaty. Senators John Ashcroft (R-Missouri), John Kyl (R-Arizona), and Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) introduced amendments designed to give the Senate a voice concerning the Alliance's transition toward its new roles. The Future of the Alliance Supporters. Most Senators who advocated adding the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland to the Alliance also supported using NATO to meet the new security challenges that have emerged since the end of the Cold War. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) entered into the Congressional Record (CR) a statement by the New Atlantic Initiative, an organization composed primarily of former government officials. The statement declared that NATO has rightfully closed the door on its successful mission to prevent Soviet domination of Western Europe, but that “Its larger purpose of ensuring peace and freedom in Europe and the Atlantic region endures.” It outlined a new identity for NATO, as “an alliance aiming to promote peace and stability in the Atlantic region, devoted to the spread and consolidation of democratic ways in Europe, and capable of protecting Western interests against such CRS-2 future threats as may emerge.” The statement tied this vision of the future to the legislation at hand, pronouncing, “Crucial to this process of adaptation is NATO's willingness to admit new members ... Otherwise it will remain a relic of the Cold War of diminishing relevance to the contemporary world.” (CR, 18 March 1998, S2200) Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) said that “NATO has already begun a kind of transition expanding its mission to include other tasks.” The Alliance, he said, “has an expanded vision of the range of potential rivalries within Europe to global threats, such as terrorism or nuclear proliferation, but also a greater
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NATO Expansion: Benefits and Consequences
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2001 NATO expansion: Benefits and consequences Jeffrey William Christiansen The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Christiansen, Jeffrey William, "NATO expansion: Benefits and consequences" (2001). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 8802. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/8802 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ■rr - Maween and Mike MANSFIELD LIBRARY The University of M ontana Permission is granted by the author to reproduce this material in its entirety, provided that this material is used for scholarly purposes and is properly cited in published works and reports. **Please check "Yes" or "No" and provide signature** Yes, I grant permission X No, I do not grant permission ________ Author's Signature; Date:__ ^ ^ 0 / Any copying for commercial purposes or financial gain may be undertaken only with the author's explicit consent. MSThe»i9\M«r«f»eld Library Permission Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. NATO EXPANSION: BENEFITS AND CONSEQUENCES by Jeffrey William Christiansen B.A. University of Montana, 2000 presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts The University of Montana 2001 Approved by: hairpers Dean, Graduate School 7 - 24- 0 ^ Date Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner.
    [Show full text]
  • SCENE ONE (An Empty Stage. There Is a Podium and a Projector Screen
    SCENE ONE (An empty stage. There is a podium and a projector screen emblazoned with the logo “WELLSTONE PROJECT.” A spotlight comes up on STEPHEN, who stands at the podium, dressed in formal attire. He carries a drink in his hand.) STEPHEN Thank you all for being here tonight – for your support – for honoring my brother’s life and legacy. (as HE speaks, the screen behind him flashes a portrait of Paul Wellstone) It would mean the world to them – Paul, and Sheila (the screen flashes a photo of Paul and Sheila together) – to see you all here tonight. (he sips his drink liberally and shakes himself out) I just want to apologize in advance – I never had my brother’s knack for public speaking. (HE chuckles nervously) But I always said… I always said my brother had a way of bringing people together… Sometimes in ways we might not expect. But – (the screen flashes a photo of a beach in Maryland) One way or another, it all leads back… to this. (without looking backward, the screen raises out of view, and the set changes to the beach seen in the photo, complete with a sunbathing SHEILA, reclining on a beach chair, reading a book) The beaches our parents took us to as kids… I haven’t set foot here in years, but I can still see it all like it was yesterday. (HE mimes to various parts of the set) The stand where they used to sell popsicles on hot days. (another) And over there, see? That’s where I built the biggest sandcastle you’d ever seen… Until Paul stepped in it.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 107 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 107 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 148 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2002 No. 140 House of Representatives The House met at 11 a.m. where. Let us always have the courage sented to the President of the United The Reverend Emmett J. Gavin, and wisdom to lead the way in eradi- States, for his approval, the following Prior, Whitefriars Hall, Washington, cating this scourge upon the human bills. DC, offered the following prayer: family. Bring men and women of good H.R. 5651. To amend the Federal Food, Gracious and loving God, Author of will together in all corners of our world Drug, and Cosmetic Act to make improve- all creation and Source of all wisdom, so that we might in our own ways and ments in the regulation of medical devices, we once again come to You this day to in our own traditions worship and serve and for other purposes. seek the grace and guidance we need to You, our one true God. be a faithful people. Help us to use We make these prayers, Lord, con- f wisely the many gifts and blessings fident that You will hear and answer ADJOURNMENT You have given us as a Nation. Loving them today and always. Amen. The SPEAKER. Without objection, God, may we always be grateful for f Your goodness and generosity to us and the House stands adjourned until 11 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE always use the blessings You have a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Hot Waste, Cold Cash - Part II in the 2002 Elections
    Hot Waste, Cold Cash - Part II in the 2002 Elections Nuclear Industry PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates in Competitive Races November 1, 2002 Public Citizen’s Critical Mass Energy and Environment Program Public Citizen is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Ralph Nader, Founder 215 Pennsylvania Ave SE · Washington, DC 20003 · (202) 546-4996 · www.citizen.org Hot Waste, Cold Cash in the 2002 Elections Nuclear Industry PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates in Competitive Races Summary In this report, Public Citizen analyzed contributions from nuclear industry political action committees (PACs) to federal candidates in competitive races. Using Federal Election Commission data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics (opensecrets.org), we examined PAC contributions during the 2002 election cycle (November 2000 to October 2002)1 from nuclear power plant owners and operators2 and three leading trade associations of which many of them are members: American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. We considered lead candidates in 76 competitive House races and 17 Senate competitive races, identified by the Congressional Quarterly analysts.3 Among the report’s findings: · Nuclear power plant owners and operators contributed more than $5 million to federal candidates in this election cycle. Slightly more than $1.5 million went to candidates in competitive races. · Exelon, the biggest U.S. nuclear operator, made the most contributions to federal candidates in competitive races, followed by Entergy. Exelon and Entergy are both participants in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Power 2010 program, which puts tax dollars towards the subsidized construction of new commercial reactors.
    [Show full text]
  • Remembering Paul Wellstone Sara Grewing
    William Mitchell Law Review Volume 29 | Issue 4 Article 6 2003 A Hero's Legacy: Remembering Paul Wellstone Sara Grewing Follow this and additional works at: http://open.mitchellhamline.edu/wmlr Recommended Citation Grewing, Sara (2003) "A Hero's Legacy: Remembering Paul Wellstone," William Mitchell Law Review: Vol. 29: Iss. 4, Article 6. Available at: http://open.mitchellhamline.edu/wmlr/vol29/iss4/6 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Law Reviews and Journals at Mitchell Hamline Open Access. It has been accepted for inclusion in William Mitchell Law Review by an authorized administrator of Mitchell Hamline Open Access. For more information, please contact [email protected]. © Mitchell Hamline School of Law Grewing: A Hero's Legacy: Remembering Paul Wellstone BOOK_REVIEW_GREWING_FORMATTED 3/28/2003 12:02 AM A HERO’S LEGACY: REMEMBERING PAUL WELLSTONE Sara Grewing† The Conscience of a Liberal: Reclaiming the Compassionate Agenda. By Senator Paul Wellstone. Random House Press, 2001. 216 Pages. $23.95. On October 25, 2002, the nation lost a unique, energetic, fearless and impassioned leader when Paul Wellstone died in a plane crash. People from all walks of life mourned his passing; from the most powerful politicians to the country’s newest immigrants.1 Known as the “soul of the Senate,” Paul Wellstone was the mirror in which his Senate colleagues looked at themselves, searched their own hearts, and questioned whether their actions were just.2 Paul Wellstone was an extraordinary human being and an extraordinary Senator. Paul Wellstone was an unconventional politician. With wild, curly hair, slightly rumpled clothing and standing at a daunting five-feet, five-and-a-half inches tall, this college professor took the Senate by storm when he arrived in 1990.
    [Show full text]
  • Book Reviews / News & Notes
    BOOK REVIEWS Minnesota Politics and Government But, as the 1998 election proved, Minnesota’s political By Daniel J. Elazar, Virginia Gray, and Wyman Spano culture continues to evolve. That victory of the Reform (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1999 . 259 p. Party was a warning to Republicans and Democrats alike. Cloth, $ 45 .00 ; paper, $ 25 .00 .) Celebrity Ventura’s election was a protest shot over the bow that pierced the hull of the two-party system. “We shocked the world,” crowed Jesse “The Body” In Minnesota, preprimary party endorsements and Ventura on election night. Many Minnesotans, watching state financing for legislative races reduce the impact of their new governor on television, responded in silent dis - money on elections. But the national trend toward weaker belief: “We shocked ourselves.” Ever since that November parties and money-dominated primaries is being felt here, 1998 night, political leaders in both major parties have too. It is reflected in the decline of the caucus system and reexamined history, the polls, and popular wisdom. They party endorsement and in TV-ad-based campaigns that have hoped these modern oracles would reveal the algo - bypass the parties except as places to raise money. These rithm that Ventura had used to win so that they could use changes mean there is less popular involvement and less it to steal his success. organization to hold politicians accountable. This is trou - Minnesota Politics and Government looks repeatedly bling: while party platforms may be irrelevant to the candi - through the lens of that election night. No magic formula dates, the platform issues are what attract the activists is revealed, but the authors’ insights into the state that whose involvement counters the influence of money.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding the U.S.-NATO Relationship in the Post-Cold War
    UNDERSTANDING THE U.S. – NATO RELATIONSHIP IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA A dissertation presented by Julie Marie Garey to The Department of Political Science In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Political Science Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts April 2015 1 UNDERSTANDING THE U.S.-NATO RELATIONSHIP IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA by Julie Marie Garey ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities of Northeastern University 2 April 2015 ABSTRACT This project traces the evolution of the relationship between the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) through the events of the two decades following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It addresses four engagements: the 1999 Kosovo intervention, the 2001 U.S. war in Afghanistan, the 2003 Iraq War, and the 2011 intervention in Libya. The purpose of this research is to understand the causes for NATO’s persistence in the post-Cold War era. I posit the most overlooked explanation for the alliance’s evolution and persistence is the continued de facto leadership of the United States. Examination of each of the aforementioned cases, as well as the intra-conflict periods, reveals the reasons for continued U.S.-NATO relations. The U.S. pursues NATO in conflict for both military utility and political value – namely, the effect of NATO on perceptions of legitimacy. Finally, this research demonstrates from both a theoretical and policy perspective the implications of this relationship for future conflict engagement.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 108 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 108 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 150 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 No. 13 House of Representatives The House was not in session today. Its next meeting will be held on Friday, February 6, 2004, at 12 noon. Senate THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 The Senate met at 9 a.m. and was SCHEDULE Paul and Sheila Wellstone’s sons Mark called to order by the President pro Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, this and David to keep their parents’ work tempore (Mr. STEVENS) morning following morning business, and spirit alive. the Senate resumes consideration of S. PRAYER The first meetings will be held this 1072, the highway bill. As the majority evening. In what may be the largest The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- leader announced last night, it is hoped book group ever, thousands of ordinary fered the following prayer: we will be able to work through those Let us pray. Americans in 40 States will meet in amendments early in the day so we can private homes, schools, churches, com- Lord of Hosts, Ruler of all nature, we proceed to additional amendments. munity centers, bookstores, and hun- magnify Your name. On today, many Senators should expect votes today as lift their hearts in prayer for our Na- the Senate continues to make progress dreds of other places to discuss the di- tion. Lord, You have promised that a on the highway bill. Senators will be rection and the future of our Nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Becoming Wellstone Epub Final:Layout 1 8/20/12 11:30 AM Page I
    Becoming Wellstone_EPub_Final:Layout 1 8/20/12 11:30 AM Page i BECOMING WELLSTONE Becoming Wellstone_EPub_Final:Layout 1 8/20/12 11:30 AM Page ii Becoming Wellstone_EPub_Final:Layout 1 8/20/12 11:30 AM Page iii BECOMING WELLSTONE Healing from Tragedy and Carrying On My Father’s Legacy Paul David Wellstone Jr. ® Becoming Wellstone_EPub_Final:Layout 1 8/20/12 11:30 AM Page iv Hazelden Center City, Minnesota 55012 hazelden.org © 2012 by Hazelden Foundation All rights reserved. Published 2012 Printed in the United States of America No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy- ing, recording, scanning, or otherwise—without the express written permission of the publisher. Failure to comply with these terms may expose you to legal action and damages for copyright infringement. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Wellstone, Paul David, Jr., 1965- Becoming Wellstone : healing from tragedy and carrying on my father's legacy / Paul David Wellstone Jr. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-61649-445-2 (softcover) -- ISBN 978-1-61649-456-8 (ebook) 1. Wellstone, Paul David--Influence. 2. Wellstone, Paul David--Political and social views. 3. Wellstone, Paul David--Family. 4. Wellstone, Paul David, Jr., 1965- 5. Mental health insurance--Law and legislation--United States. 6. Lobbying--Washington (D.C.) 7. Fathers and sons--Minnesota. 8. Fathers--Minnesota--Death. 9. Bereavement--Psychological aspects. 10. Adjustment (Psychology) I. Title. E840.8.W457W45 2012 328.73'092--dc23 2012025473 The Paul Wellstone obituary from the appendix is reprinted from The New York Times, 10/26/2002 © The New York Times.
    [Show full text]
  • Paul Wellstone LATE a SENATOR from MINNESOTA ÷
    im Line) Paul Wellstone LATE A SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA ÷ MEMORIAL ADDRESSES AND OTHER TRIBUTES HON. PAUL WELLSTONE ÷z 1944–2002 HON. PAUL WELLSTONE ÷z 1944–2002 VerDate 19-JUN-2001 09:56 May 15, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6686 Sfmt 6686 D:\DOCS\WELL\82530.TXT CRS1 PsN: CRS1 VerDate 19-JUN-2001 09:56 May 15, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6686 Sfmt 6686 D:\DOCS\WELL\82530.TXT CRS1 PsN: CRS1 (Trim Line) (Trim Line) Paul Wellstone VerDate 19-JUN-2001 09:56 May 15, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6687 Sfmt 6687 D:\DOCS\WELL\82530.TXT CRS1 PsN: CRS1 82530.003 VerDate 19-JUN-2001 09:56 May 15, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6687 Sfmt 6687 D:\DOCS\WELL\82530.TXT CRS1 PsN: CRS1 82530.003 (Trim Line) (Trim Line) S. DOC. 107–16 Memorial Addresses and Other Tributes HELD IN THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES TOGETHER WITH MEMORIAL SERVICES IN HONOR OF PAUL WELLSTONE Late a Senator from Minnesota One Hundred Seventh Congress Second Session ÷ U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON : 2003 VerDate 19-JUN-2001 09:56 May 15, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6687 Sfmt 6686 D:\DOCS\WELL\82530.TXT CRS1 PsN: CRS1 (Trim Line) (Trim Line) Compiled under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing VerDate 19-JUN-2001 09:56 May 15, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 6687 Sfmt 6687 D:\DOCS\WELL\82530.TXT CRS1 PsN: CRS1 (Trim Line) (Trim Line) CONTENTS Page Biography .................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Dilemma of NATO Strategy, 1949-1968 a Dissertation Presented
    The Dilemma of NATO Strategy, 1949-1968 A dissertation presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Robert Thomas Davis II August 2008 © 2008 Robert Thomas Davis II All Rights Reserved ii This dissertation titled The Dilemma of NATO Strategy, 1949-1968 by ROBERT THOMAS DAVIS II has been approved for the Department of History and the College of Arts and Sciences by ______________________________ Peter John Brobst Associate Professor of History ______________________________ Benjamin M. Ogles Dean, College of Arts and Sciences iii Abstract DAVIS, ROBERT THOMAS II, Ph.D., August 2008, History The Dilemma of NATO Strategy, 1949-1968 (422 pp.) Director of Dissertation: Peter John Brobst This study is a reappraisal of the strategic dilemma of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the Cold War. This dilemma revolves around the problem of articulating a strategic concept for a military alliance in the nuclear era. NATO was born of a perceived need to defend Western Europe from a Soviet onslaught. It was an imperative of the early alliance to develop a military strategy and force posture to defend Western Europe should such a war break out. It was not long after the first iteration of strategy took shape than the imperative for a military defense of Europe receded under the looming threat of thermonuclear war. The advent of thermonuclear arsenals in both the United States and Soviet Union brought with it the potential destruction of civilization should war break out. This realization made statesmen on both sides of the Iron Curtain undergo what has been referred to as an ongoing process of nuclear learning.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record—Senate S3101
    March 28, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3101 NAYS—26 NAYS—45 and I hope so—for the upcoming polit- Akaka Feingold Levin Abraham Faircloth Lugar ical conventions in San Diego and in Bryan Glenn McCain Ashcroft Frist Mack Chicago. Bumpers Harkin Mikulski Bennett Gorton McCain Mr. President, I want to speak very Byrd Hollings Bond Gramm McConnell Pryor briefly—and I suspect that I speak on Conrad Kennedy Reid Brown Grams Murkowski Daschle Kerrey Rockefeller Burns Grassley Nickles behalf of other colleagues, Senator Dodd Kerry Sarbanes Campbell Gregg Pressler MCCAIN from Arizona, Senator FEIN- Dorgan Kohl Chafee Hatch Shelby Wellstone GOLD from Wisconsin, Senator LAUTEN- Exon Lautenberg Coats Helms Simpson Cochran Hutchison Smith BERG, Senator LEVIN—after more than So the conference report was agreed Coverdell Inhofe Stevens 21⁄2 years of negotiations and several to. Craig Kassebaum Thomas hard-fought battles, just as the ink is Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I move to DeWine Kempthorne Thompson Dole Kyl Thurmond drying, for a major change like this to reconsider the vote. Domenici Lott Warner be proposed, I think would be a serious Mr. LEAHY. I move to lay that mo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this breach of faith with the people in our tion on the table. vote the yeas are 55, the nays are 45. country. Mr. President, a friend and former The motion to lay on the table was Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- Senator, Eugene McCarthy, who, by agreed to. sen and sworn not having voted in the the way, will be 80 this weekend, has affirmative, the motion is rejected.
    [Show full text]