Download
Download eBook for Free
Format | File Size | Notes |
---|---|---|
PDF file | 1.6 MB | Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. |
Purchase
Purchase Print Copy
Format | List Price | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Add to Cart | Paperback38 pages | $20.00 | $16.00 20% Web Discount |
This Note uses de-escalation dynamics to examine some military aspects of the broader subject of crisis management as it might be practiced by NATO, and then explores the future role of NATO in European security. Europe is undergoing what may be an extended period in relaxation of tensions between the two major power blocs. The past implausibility of rapid reduction of tensions should make us wary of forecasts that the current process is irreversible. The author draws an analogy between the lack of Alliance preparation for the pace of relaxation of tensions currently in progress in Europe and a similar lack of planning and exercising for de-escalation in a future crisis. The Note presents an argument for NATO addressing its need for crisis-management capabilities, and more specifically, for the ability to manage de-escalation and force disengagement in crisis. The author posits four types of scenarios — a major Soviet reentry in Eastern Europe, civil conflict in Eastern Europe, a local cross-border war in Europe, and an out-of-area conflict with NATO implications — which suggest three areas that need improvement — planning, forces and hardware, and political frameworks.
This report is part of the RAND Corporation Note series. The note was a product of the RAND Corporation from 1979 to 1993 that reported other outputs of sponsored research for general distribution.
This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.