Chapter VIII. Develop Agendas for Cooperative Action with the Other Main Centers of Global
Power
Section C. The Way Ahead - 4. Europe
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains a vital pillar of U.S. foreign policy. The
Alliance has been strengthened by expanding its membership and now acts beyond its
borders as an instrument for peace and stability in many parts of the world. It has also
established partnerships with other key European states, including Russia, Ukraine, and
others, further extending NATO's historic transformation. The internal reform of NATO
structures, capabilities, and procedures must be accelerated to ensure that NATO is able
to carry out its missions effectively. The Alliance's door will also remain open to those
countries that aspire for membership and meet NATO standards. Further, NATO must
deepen working relationships between and across institutions, as it is doing with the EU,
and as it also could do with new institutions. Such relationships offer opportunities for
enhancing the distinctive strengths and missions of each organization.
Europe is home to some of our oldest and closest allies. Our cooperative relations are
built on a sure foundation of shared values and interests. This foundation is expanding
and deepening with the ongoing spread of effective democracies in Europe, and must
expand and deepen still further if we are to reach the goal of a Europe whole, free, and at
peace. These democracies are effective partners, joining with us to promote global
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freedom and prosperity. Just as in the special relationship that binds us to the United
Kingdom, these cooperative relationships forge deeper ties between our nations.
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