NATO looks for new strategic approaches

PanARMENIAN.Net - Titled "Redefining the Security and Transatlantic Diplomacy Role of NATO For the 21st Century," the conference was organized in Istanbul by Arı Movement, a civil society organization. It focused on NATO enlargement, the alliance's relations with the European Union and its new missions outside of the European geography.



While participants praised NATO's role during the course of its past 60 years, they also emphasized the significance of shaping a strategic concept, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York.



"During the past 10 years, the strategic landscape has changed," said Stefanie Babst, NATO's deputy assistant secretary general for public diplomacy, adding that the organization "has moved from being into doing." The new strategic concept should take into account two main events, the Sept. 11 attacks and the existing situation in Afghanistan, she added.



"The new strategic concept also should be a political one as well," Babst said. "It should have a renewed clearer vision about core tasks, and it should prioritize main tasks." In this respect, the new concept has to address military and political issues together, according to Babst.



In an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Babst also underscored the significance of the political process over the determination of NATO's new strategic concept, which will involve the participation of civil society organizations, universities and think tanks. Babst said that the new strategic concept is not just a NATO document: "It is a joint vision of NATO countries that would like to develop the alliance both politically and militarily."



But Solomon Passy, from Bulgaria, drew attention to NATO's image. A member of parliament and a former foreign minister, Passy highlighted the need to improve the alliance's image. "If we succeed in winning public opinion, we can make a huge impact."



NATO-EU relations was another major topic discussed throughout the conference. Passy said relations between the two entities needed to improve and be deepened. "The relations between these two organizations are very poor," he said.