Natopolitanism: The Atlantic Alliance since the Cold War

NATO has been miraculously revived after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with surging European military budgets and inflows of combat-ready troops and hardware. Its geostrategic remit is limited to the North Atlantic, but treaty obligations range from the Andes to the Gulf of Aden and the Khyber Pass. Contributors to the volume revisit this history as it unfolded, sharing a critical perspective at odds with wartime pieties.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

The fortunes of NATO, which was once considered "brain-dead" only a few years ago, have undergone a remarkable revival following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The alliance, buoyed by significant increases in European military budgets, the influx of combat-ready troops, and the acquisition of cutting-edge hardware, is now poised to welcome new member states. Initially conceived as a defense against the Soviet Union, NATO has managed to outlast its perceived adversary by over three decades. While its official geographic scope is limited to the North Atlantic, its treaty obligations extend far beyond that region, covering areas such as the Andes, the Gulf of Aden, and the Khyber Pass. Allied commanders are actively preparing for potential conflicts in the South China Sea, reflecting the expanded role and geographical reach of the alliance.

In order to explore the evolution and expansion of NATO since the turn of the 1990s, Natopolitanism takes a comprehensive approach. The book seeks to answer the fundamental question of what purposes NATO serves in the post-Cold War world. Contributors to the volume, including renowned scholars such as John J. Mearsheimer, Mary Elise Sarotte, Susan Watkins, Wolfgang Streeck, and Volodymyr Ishchenko, offer diverse perspectives and judgments on this critical topic. While their viewpoints may vary, they all share a critical stance that challenges the prevailing wartime pieties.

The book's chapters delve into various aspects of NATO's history, including its origins, its initial mission against the Soviet Union, and the subsequent expansion into Eastern Europe. The contributors analyze the political, economic, and strategic factors that drove NATO's expansion and assess its impact on regional and global security. They also explore the challenges and controversies associated with NATO's involvement in conflicts such as the Kosovo War and the Afghanistan War.

One of the key themes of Natopolitanism is the debate over the alliance's role in promoting stability and security in Europe. While some argue that NATO's presence has contributed to a sense of security and deterrence, others argue that it has exacerbated tensions and contributed to the outbreak of conflicts. The contributors discuss the balance between the need for collective defense and the potential for unilateral action and highlight the challenges of managing alliances in a complex and interconnected world.

Another important aspect of the book is the discussion of NATO's relationship with Russia and the broader geopolitical context in which the alliance operates. The contributors analyze the historical and cultural factors that have shaped Russia's approach to NATO and assess the potential for cooperation and conflict between the two powers. They also explore the implications of NATO's expansion for the broader region, including the potential for conflicts and instability in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Natopolitanism is a valuable contribution to the study of international relations and security. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of NATO's history, expansion, and impact on global security. The book challenges the prevailing narratives and offers a critical perspective that is essential for understanding the complex dynamics of the post-Cold War world. Whether one supports or criticizes NATO's actions, this book provides valuable insights into the complex and evolving nature of international relations.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 152 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804292372