2006-10-18T18:04:13Z https://www.thenewfederalist.eu/NATO-Who-Wants-to-Live-Forever#comment1218 2006-10-18T18:04:13Z

<p>For me it is also clear that NATO has no democratic legitimacy to represent neither Europe nor other parts of the world and surely it is correct that NATO can never be a legitimate guard of international law as a multilateral institution like the UN.</p> <p>But besides these questions I would like to raise a issue that puzzels me - maybe as a national of a western non-NATO member :) In eastern Europe it does not only seem to be the case that NATO membership is a integrated part of the western integration-kit - I have also experienced a strong will to promote a NATO identity and work for NATO sensibillisation. And to put it frank, I simply do not understand what is meant by this or how this can be in the benefit for either western integration or the citizens in Eastern Europe. What does it mean to have a NATO identity ? What values, what culture, what polity or common citizens fora does this imply ? What possible impact would a increased NATO awareness have on citizens that are not part of a decision making system inside NATO ? Increase awareness of international law, of international decision making, of the functioning of EU that one might join or have joined – this I get. But why would one like people to feel a attachment to NATO ?</p> <p>NATO might be something we have to live with for some time as a rest of the past, but to promote it - can it make any sense ? Rather we must start exactly the above debate - what is the legitimacy of NATO and does it have any place in the world today ? And does it even hinder the establishment of CFSP, UN reform, of the creation of a European army or that of a UN permanent force.</p> <p>That NATO has developed since its role in the cold war does not necessary give it a seat on the front row and I could definitely think of more attractive ladies/gentlemen to find their way into peoples heart☺</p>