3 Yet NATO’s focus on atomic weapons was not just about deterrence-it also strengthened its ability to defend itself if deterrence failed. The primary mechanism through which NATO sought to deter Soviet aggression was deterrence by punishment through the threat of American atomic weapons. The first such concept, “Strategic Concept for the Defense of the North Atlantic Area,” known as DC 6/1 and approved in December 1949, declared as its main objective: “To coordinate, in time of peace, our military and economic strength with a view to creating a powerful deterrent to any nation or group of nations threatening the peace, independence and stability of the North Atlantic family of nations.” 2ĭeterrence has been central to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) strategic concepts since the beginning. The analysis also reveals three broad insights that can be applied today: plan against Russia’s maximum intentions revitalize the sword and the shield and modernize the sword and the shield.Ĭreating a Powerful Deterrent: NATO’s First Two Strategic Concepts The First Strategic Concept (1949)ĭeterrence has been central to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) strategic concepts since the beginning. The main purpose of doing so is to give today’s leaders and planners a better understanding of their forebearers’ efforts, to learn their lessons, and avoid their mistakes. This paper examines NATO’s first seven strategic concepts to chart the progress of the alliance’s approach to defense and deterrence. 1 Since 1991, three concepts have been published openly, the latest in 2010. The first four of these were classified and made public in 1997. There is a saying: “If you want a new idea, read an old book.” For the authors of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) new strategic concept looking for a new approach to its core task of defense and deterrence, the best “old books” to consult might be the seven strategic concepts NATO has published since 1949.
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