Evidence of Heavy-handed U.S. Diplomacy in Europe affects NATO's intentions in Ukraine and NATO's Strategic Concept

Erika Simpson, Western University

Abstract

A renewed Cold War with a new Central Front in Europe threatens international security. NATO’s arc of crisis stretches from Ukraine in the northeast to Turkey and Syria in the south. The Warsaw Pact dissolved in 1991 but NATO’s nuclear posture continues to threaten Russians who fear NATO expansion. Evidence of heavy-handed U.S. diplomacy in Europe has raised concerns about American intentions in Ukraine. The failed 2015 negotiations surrounding the United Nations Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty indicate it is time the Nuclear Weapon States in the 29-member NATO alliance move NATO's posture away from the Strategic Concept toward nuclear disarmament rather than deterrence.