1、*97-718*97-718*97-718 FUpdated April 14, 1998NATO Enlargement: Pro and Con ArgumentsPaul E. GallisSpecialist in European AffairsForeign Affairs and National DefenseSummaryIn March 1998, the Senate began debate on the Protocols to the North AtlanticTreaty (Treaty Doc. 105-36)for the purpose of amendi
2、ng the Treaty to admit Poland, theCzech Republic, and Hungary. The U.S. Senate must give its advice and consent torevise the North Atlantic Treaty and admit new members. Key arguments favoring U.S.approval of enlargement include the need to bring stability in central Europe; building astrong transat
3、lantic link with new European democracies; and extending collectivedefense to countries that remain concerned about a potential Russian threat. Keyarguments against NATO expansion include the concern that it will exacerbate tensionswith Russia; result in substantial costs and risks that the allies a
4、re unwilling to share andthe American people are unwilling to shoulder alone; and dilute the mission, politicallikemindedness, and military effectiveness of the alliance.BackgroundOn July 8, 1997, NATO extended invitations to Poland, the Czech Republic, andHungary to begin negotiations to enter the
