Volume XXI – Number 2
Anthony C. Livanios
Abstract: The role of N.A.T.O. as a deterrent to the Soviet Union is changing, and by extension, so is the relationship between the United States and Western Europe. The increased willingness of the United States to act against the Soviet Union both in Europe and around the world has led to tensions between the US and its Western European allies. Western European states desire to both be active members of N.A.T.O., and pursue policies that are akin to neutrality. This article argues that there are three main reasons for disillusionment between the United States and Western Europe. First and foremost, the definition of an alliance is equality between members, something that is not practiced with N.A.T.O. as it is currently structured because of the overarching influence of the United States over Western Europe. Secondly, N.A.T.O. as it stands lacks an agreeable strategy, with public support for N.A.T.O.’s goals in decline and protests for peace on the rise. Lastly is the pursuit of neutrality in Western Europe. This concept is enshrined in the Declaration of European Identity in 1973, where the Western European allies state that, while the role of the United States in Europe is essential, it is also necessary for the states of Western Europe to define themselves as a separate entity within N.A.T.O. independent of the United States in order to pursue their individual needs and defenses. The tensions between N.A.T.O. allies can be alleviated with the restructuring of N.A.T.O. to reflect the current balance of power between Western Europe and the United States, eliminating the continued dominance of the United States on the European continent. Keywords: N.A.T.O., Western Europe, Collective Security
