Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 68-72)

ABSTRACT
This study conducted a thorough analysis of the NATO alliance from the Cold War
period to the post-Cold War era and the role of the United States in the alliance during
these periods. This research paper focused on the core elements of NATO by
employing a secondary qualitative approach to data collection. NATO’s establishment
in 1949 as a security defense organization against Soviet threats, its enlargement
policies during the Cold War, its post-Cold War reformation and enlargement process,
the roles it played following the 9/11 incident, and its increasing role and influence in
the global community in the 21st century were reviewed. The role and influence of the
United States right from NATO’s establishment until this present day as well as its
hostility with the Soviet Union during the Cold War period and its post-Cold War
rivalry with Russia were also discussed. The outcome of the study shows that NATO’s
enlargement policy has been the major issue faced by the alliance in its seven decades
of existence. NATO’s objectives have revolved around enlargement since the Cold
War period which saw the alliance face hostility from the Soviet Union, and its further
expansion objectives during the post-Cold War have been met with further adversity
from Russia who has and continues to vehemently oppose the alliance’s expansion
plans into Eastern Europe. The issue of enlargement has generated several social,
economic, military, nuclear, and political crises over the years and this has been
challenging for the alliance. Nevertheless, NATO’s expansion policy has been of
immense significance and contributed to European stability and ensuring a cooperative
transatlantic relationship. NATO’s enlargement policy has also helped resolve
instability and political conflicts in Eastern and Central Europe by annexing the former
Soviet-bloc states and fostering cooperation across Europe. NATO has also been
involved in several key intervention programs which have yielded mixed results, some
successful and others critiqued.
Notably, in all the seven decades of NATO’s existence, it has operated under the wings
of the United States, and despite the alliance being the longest international
organization and the only international body to have outlived the Cold War era, several
pertinent questions have been raised about the alliance being an instrument of the
United States regardless of the success of the USA-NATO relationship. The research
concludes by proffering viable solutions which could enhance and strengthen NATO’s
dominance as the world’s most effective international organization.
Keywords: NATO, USA, Cold War, post-Cold War, Soviet Union, Russia,
Enlargement, Europe, West, East, Central, Communism