战略与国际研究中心-The-NATO-Summit-Agenda_2页_163kb

NATO Summit Agenda Summary

Core Content

The NATO Summit, held in April 2009 in Strasbourg, France, and Kehl and Baden-Baden, Germany, marked the 60th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The summit aimed to address key issues related to NATO's evolving role, strategic direction, and relations with other international actors.

Main Points

Q1: Significance of the NATO Summit

• Historical Context: The summit commemorates the 60th anniversary of NATO's founding and its role in fostering reconciliation between France and Germany post-World War II.
• Stability and Security: NATO has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, and has contributed to the development of the European Union.
• Timing and Challenges: The summit was held to coincide with the signing date of the North Atlantic Treaty, and the German hosts wanted it before their September federal elections. This timing posed challenges for the Obama administration, as many of its officials were still in the early stages of policy reviews.

Q2: President Obama's Objectives

• Leadership Establishment: Obama aimed to introduce himself to NATO leaders and establish his leadership within the alliance, signaling a shift towards more multilateral cooperation.
• Afghanistan Strategy: The summit was a platform for Obama to present his new strategy for Afghanistan, with the goal of securing additional European military and civilian resources to support the NATO/ISAF mission.
• Russia Relations: Allies expected Obama to propose a more cooperative relationship with Russia, potentially delaying the deployment of antiballistic missile sites in Poland and the Czech Republic due to concerns about technical feasibility and the Iranian threat.
• Membership Prospects: While current members were hesitant to push for membership discussions with Georgia and Ukraine, Obama needed to reaffirm NATO's commitment to their eventual accession.
• Strategic Concept and Reforms: Obama sought to advance the drafting of a new strategic concept for NATO, which would address global challenges and redefine the alliance's mission. He also aimed to reform NATO's bureaucracy and military command structures and reintegrate the French military into NATO's integrated command system.

Key Information

• NATO's Role in Afghanistan: ISAF, commanded by NATO since 2003, includes 62,000 troops from 42 countries. The mission faces challenges due to escalating violence and slow progress in stabilization and development.
• France's Return to NATO: President Sarkozy's decision to rejoin NATO's integrated military command structures marks a reversal of de Gaulle's earlier stance and is expected to enhance cooperation between NATO and the European Union.
• Russia Cooperation: The summit included discussions on resuming cooperation with Russia, particularly through the NATO-Russia Council, following the suspension since the 2008 invasion of Georgia.
• Membership Expansion: The summit was expected to welcome Croatia as the 27th member and possibly Albania as the 28th, provided accession protocols are ratified.
• Leadership Transition: The summit would also finalize the selection of the next NATO Secretary-General, with Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen favored, despite Turkish reservations.

Conclusion

The NATO Summit in 2009 was a pivotal event, aiming to reaffirm the alliance's purpose, address its evolving mission in Afghanistan, and improve relations with Russia and the European Union. It also served as an opportunity for President Obama to establish his leadership and secure support for his strategic vision for the alliance.