Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Q4. “Internal divergences pose a greater challenge to NATO than external threats.” Explain this view. Assess its relevance in the contemporary security environment. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Growing internal disagreements within NATO, alongside evolving global security challenges, have raised questions about whether alliance cohesion now matters more than traditional external threats.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining why internal divergences are increasingly viewed as a major challenge to NATO and assessing the relevance of this argument in the present international security environment.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly highlight NATO’s reliance on political unity and shared threat perception for effective collective security.Body
- Explain the view: Suggestively indicate how differing threat perceptions, burden-sharing disputes, domestic political constraints, and consensus-based decision-making create internal stress.
- Assess relevance: Indicate how such divergences affect Article 5 credibility, deterrence, strategic agility, and vulnerability to external exploitation.
Conclusion
Conclude with a forward-looking note on the need for sustaining internal cohesion to ensure NATO’s continued relevance.
