Abstract:

NATO is a defense organization, established in 1949, in order to prevent Soviet expansionism and performed a vital role for the security and defense of the West during the Cold War. Following the dissolution of the SU in 1991, approaches were set forth claiming that since Soviet threat disappeared, peace and security will dominate the international system and therefore there is no need for NATO. However, it has, soon, been understood that this approach is an illusion. Within the new security environment, NATO experienced a transformation process within the context of collective security perspective during the 1990s. This study tries to set forth on the one hand continuity in NATO regarding its establishment and strategic vision during the Cold War, and on the other hand, NATO’s new strategies and transformation during the 1990s in relation with new power balance and new threats in the international system. During this period, NATO has been transformed beyond a simple alliance and become the strategic-politicaleconomic center of international structure

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