Role of U.S. Security Assistance in Modernizing the Portuguese Armed Forces: A Historical Analysis

摘要

This report traces U.S.-Portuguese relations from 1943 to the present. Today, the U.S. Security Assistance Program translates U.S. aid into resources and is improving Portugal's security by modernizing its armed forces. Strengthening Portugal's military to assume their proper role NATO also enhances U.S security. The analysis was accomplished by review of available, accessible literature. Relevant data was identified and amplified by interviews with security assistance experts and with experts on Portugal. A recursive process of reviewing U.S. Government reports, books, theses, and other publications, revealed the historical basis for the current U.S.- Portuguese alliance, and the acute, on-going need for assistance to develop Portugal's military. The results of this research clearly indicate the importance of the Azores bases as a key link in the U.S. ability to respond to threats around the world. (Author)