NATO Special Operations Forces Transformation Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges

摘要

Since the end of the Cold War in 1989-1991, NATO has engaged more extensively in expeditionary operations designed to establish and maintain stability in war-torn countries. From the Balkans to Afghanistan, NATO's special operations shortfall has been illuminated. At the Riga Summit in November 2006, NATO leaders decided to develop an Alliance special operations capability. The NATO Special Operations Forces Transformation Initiative (NSTI) was agreed upon as the means by which the Allies would improve such capabilities. This thesis investigates the extent to which NATO requires robust special operations capabilities similar to U.S. capabilities in order to respond to current and future threats. Because threats in the post-11 September 2001 environment are largely unconventional, NATO must develop a capability that can meet these threats in kind. The need to face and overcome unconventional adversaries is likely to increase as the scope of NATO's military operations extends to areas far from its traditional geopolitical space. This thesis concludes that the NSTI's objective to enhance the special operations capabilities of the Allies -is well-founded and should be properly funded and supported by appropriate command arrangements.