It is too early to judge if these proposed changes will be reflected in the new Strategic Concept. At its core, NATO is a defensive alliance based on a strategy of nuclear deterrence. Over the last decade, the Alliance has substantially reduced the role of nuclear weapons, particularly where tactical nuclear forces are concerned. However, proposed changes to the nuclear elements of the Strategic Concept have largely been dismissed, especially by Washington. Lingering fears of instability in Russia, the recent nuclear tests by India and Pakistan and the specter of other nuclear proliferators have all bolstered support for leaving the nuclear paragraphs of the Concept largely untouched.
European nations remain doubtful of the legality of such operations, as well as their effectiveness.
Inclusion of such clauses signals NATO's desire to increase the prominence of these fora, while also avoiding the controversy that would no doubt result if their mention was omitted from such an historic document. Analysts do not expect NATO to name any further candidates or provide a timetable for further expansion of the Alliance at the April meeting. However, the Summit document may offer practical measures for countries seeking membership, including joint military exercises, liaison offices and detailed consultations on adaptation of military and political-military structures. Stephen Young and Angie Darnell contributed to this report from Washington and Brussels.