NATO in search of a vision /

NATO is once again reexamining its identity while searching for a vision of its future. Some of the ten essays in this volume, edited by Aybet (Univ. of Kent, UK) and Moore (Concordia College), focus on relatively narrow questions--the role of NATO secretaries-general, operations problems, and the effects of demographics on NATO's long-term prospects. But most of the essays address multifaceted, complex issues: the problem of conceptualizing a new grand strategy, missile defenses as part of that strategy, and NATO enlargement to the Balkans. Three essays focus on outside-NATO challenges: NATO-Russian relations, the role of new members and future enlargement of NATO, and the role of nonmember states in the evolution of the alliance. A distinctive aspect of the essays is the assessment of the history of issues as well as the consideration of their present status and an exploration of future trends. This enhances readers' understanding of NATO's endurance in spite of repeated identity crises. The editors' introduction guides the reader through the essays, and the conclusion lends coherence to the volume. The essays are very well documented. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers, students of all levels, and researchers. R. P. Peters University of Massachusetts at Boston