Research
NATO is at a crossroads, according to a recent debate hosted by the Security and Defence
Agenda (SDA). A study carried out by the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) went to the heart of this debate by consulting a wide variety of stakeholders including
EU and NATO officials, academics, experts, students, industry and nongovernmental
organisations. The research showed that three out of four participants believe
NATO should reassess its strategic concept. Such a review, to be kick-started at the
NATO Strasbourg/Kehl summit (3-4 April), is one of a list of issues prompting the organisation to examine its future role and action. The others are the external factors – from the ongoing threat of terrorism to newer threats such as climate change and energy scarcity to the dwindling resources in the face of a financial crisis.