WHAT FUTURE IN NATO?

In What Future in NATO?, Robin Cook and Dan Smith set out to initiate a debate about UK defence policy and suggest alternative strategies. They start with a challenge to the traditional view of the East-West military balance, showing how the East's supposed quantitative superiority is not matched by a qualitative advantage. They then question NATO's reliance on tactical nuclear weapons, suggesting that defensive deterrence might be a better option. They review the minimal progress on arms control, in particular the absence of progress on inhumane and indiscriminate weapons.

The pamphlet discusses the expansion of nuclear potential and the need to decide whether to replace the ageing Polaris force, urging the government to forego this option. The changing structure of NATO and trends towards integration and standardisation of forces and arms would have significant consequences for the political balance. Against this background, the authors outline six alternative options, ranging from complete disengagement from NATO to a reduced version of current policy, whilst themselves favouring a partial withdrawal from the alliance.