1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web97-708 FUpdated March 13, 1998NATOs Evolving Role and MissionsStanley R. Sloan, Senior Specialist in International Security Policywith the assistance of J. Michelle ForrestForeign Affairs and Nat
2、ional Defense DivisionSummaryOne of the key issues in the debate on NATO enlargement is the question ofNATOs purpose and mission. This analysis suggests some possible answers to thequestion “What is NATO?” The answers are based on an interpretation of the NorthAtlantic Treaty, the observation that a
3、n organization is defined by its activities, and thedeclared objectives and intentions of its members. From this view, NATO clearlyremains a collective defense pact in which the members pledge to take steps to assistanother member that comes under attack. But under current threat circumstances thatc
4、ommitment no longer dominates NATOs day-to-day agenda. The Treaty also suggeststhat NATO is a community of values and common goals in support of “democracy,individual liberty and the rule of law,” which may help explain why NATO has survivedthe end of the Cold War. Today, the members have moved beyo
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