Why Nato Enlargement After the Cold War

The enlargement of NATO s membership has been one of the most prominent items on its agenda in the post cold war period. enlargement is not, however simply a product of this time, for as article 10 of the north Atlantic treaty states:the parties may, by unanimous agreement, invite any other European state in a position to further the principles of this treaty and to contribute to the security of the north Atlantic area to accedes to this treaty. Any state whether invite may become a party to the treaty by depositing its instrument of accession with the government of the United States of America. This provision ensured from the outset that there was a possibility for countries which shared NATO s values and objective to join it. Although opinions are divided about whether enlargement will ultimately have a positive or negative impact, there is no doubt that it will have far reaching consequences