31. Energy Security: NATO's Limited, Complementary Role.
- Author:
- Andrew C. Monaghan
- Publication Date:
- 05-2008
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- NATO Defense College
- Abstract:
- NATO cannot avoid discussing energy security. As both the international situation and the alliance evolve, it becomes increasingly important and relevant to do so: clear and direct links exist between the security of NATO member states and the interruption of their energy supply. Indeed, given the range and potential scale of these threats it would be, as stated by the alliance's Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, alarming if NATO did not at least discuss it. NATO could not simply 'stay on the sidelines' watching such threats emerge. Discussion of energy security can take place under the framework of the alliance's Washington Treaty, as outlined in Article IV. But the role proposed by the alliance is a limited one - and, as Jamie Shea has noted, discussions mean neither automatic agreement that NATO will act, nor that the alliance would necessarily adopt a leading role in any response.
- Topic:
- Security, NATO, Energy Policy, and Oil
- Political Geography:
- Washington