2. Do we still need NATO? Standard Grade Modern Studies – Europe

3. Introduction  NATO was formed to challenge the threat which the USSR posed for countries in Western Europe.  With the collapse of the USSR, many people see no point in NATO continuing to exist.  Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s NATO countries armed themselves with highly sophisticated weapon systems. The phrase ‘the peace dividend’ is used to describe the opportunity to save the huge amount of money spent on weapons.

4. NATO is no longer needed  It was established to stop the spread of Communism and from the USSR. With the break up of the USSR there is no longer a role to play.  The Cold War is over – the great ideological differences no longer exist – many Eastern European countries are becoming democratic states – the idea of a defence force based on ideology is out of date.  European countries should have their own military alliance without relying on the USA. The USA ‘defended’ Europe simply to avoid fighting a war on its own soil. Europe should go its own way.

5. NATO is no longer needed  Money spent on weapons and defence could be better spent on other things. In Britain the NHS, education and transport could all benefit from extra spending. The UK spends millions annually on Trident – many think too much is spent on military weapons.  America is concerned about the amount of money it spends on defence in Europe. There is a growing feeling in the USA that Europe should be looking after its own defence needs.

6. We need NATO today.  September 11 showed that there is a new threat to world peace from international terrorism. NATO is the body with the power and the organisation to combat Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.  The Former Soviet Union could still become unstable. Extreme politicians, some of whom have Communist beliefs, could come to power. There is unrest in Georgia and Armenia to name but two.

7. We need NATO today.  The former Yugoslavia remains an area of potential conflict – whilst NATO forces announced a withdrawal of all forces in Bosnia there are still other hotspots. Macedonia remains unstable and still depends on NATO support.  Maverick leaders such as Saddam Hussein have been a threat to the developed world for many years now – if NATO remains a united force then these leaders will be less able to exert an influence over world events.

8. We need NATO today.  Other countries in the world remain in turmoil – Iraq and Afghanistan to name but two – NATO is needed to ensure conflict in these areas is brought to an end.  The consequences of dismantling NATO would be very expensive. The military industry creates thousands of jobs and boosts the economies of the areas involved.  NATO has kept the peace effectively for more than fifty years – why risk changing this given new threats to world security are emerging daily.