Nato as an Instrument of U.s Foreign Policy: a Critical Analysis

Abstract

The formation of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) paved way for an alliance of collective security, defense and share interests. The U.S was pivotal in the establishment of NATO and took up the leadership role through providing the necessary funds and structures required to manage the organization. Through the years, the U.S has maintained its support for NATO especially in funding as it is the biggest contributor of funds for running the alliance. It is within the context of leadership and funding that the political aspect of the U.S relation in NATO emerges. A stable Europe is vital for the U.S in advancing its foreign policy of peace and democracy. The U.S has been able in multiple occasions to advance its foreign policy through NATO. The aftermath of 9/11 attacked led to an attack on Afghanistan which was meant to disintegrate terrorist groups that had harbored in the country. NATO was integrated by the U.S in the war and was critical in forming a stable Afghan security and supported reconstruction efforts. On the other hand, the attack on Libya as initiated by the U.S was then approved by the U.N and NATO. NATO led in the attack in a war that was first approved by the U.S. The purpose of NATO has been to serve as an Atlantic forum for consultations on issues that are of vital interests which include possible developments that pose risks for the security of member states. The purpose of this research study is to examine the how NATO has been used as an instrument of foreign policy. The study objectives that guide this study included: to examine the role of intergovernmental military alliances in foreign policy of states; to examine how NATO has been used as an instrument of United States foreign policy; to examine challenges and prospects for the United States in using NATO as an instrument of foreign policy. Data sourcing and content analysis was based on realizing the objectives as depicted above. Data sourcing and content ix analysis was based on realizing the set objectives as defined above. The study incorporated multiple case studies that were key sources of information and a guide to the literature review on the basis of the study objectives. The theoretical framework is adopted within the literature review to define different variables such as the U.S foreign policy, NATO, and the metrics that define the relation between the U.S and NATO. The study realized the criteria set in the research objectives. According to the study findings, NATO is used to advance U.S foreign policy. The study findings may prove useful to in defining the scope of alliances and relations within the international realms.