From M.J. Williams, the Center for European Policy Analysis:  NATO is a divided alliance. Split between two main camps – Europeanists and Globalists – NATO‘s new Strategic Concept must ultimately address this schism if it is to succeed as a meaningful document. On one hand, Europeanists see NATO as an organization designed to preserve and promote peace and stability in Europe. On the other, Globalists believe NATO must continue to move from a reactive defensive alliance to a proactive risk manager. The divide between these two is large and must be reconciled if NATO is to be viable in the 21st century. …

[T]he September 11th attacks changed the security calculus for many policymakers. Intervention around the world was required to manage new global security challenges and risks. NATO could no longer be ‘just’ a regional alliance. …

Today, the Alliance needs more than just pro-NATO talk and a charismatic U.S. President. …

Balancing the desires of the Globalists and the Europeanists is not impossible, and focusing on crisis response and contingency planning is a good approach, with better synthesis of intelligence and planning and incorporating long-term political thinking to address a military and intelligence-dominated process. (photo: NATO)

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