The criticisms levelled at NATO during the Kosovo conflict revealed the contradictions in the Organization. The discrepancy between a politico-military apparatus dating from the Cold War and contemporary reality calls for the adoption of measures necessary to adapt the Alliance, and for a reflection on its true nature. Multilateralism, which presides over the political decisions in NATO, is still matched by unilateral domination of the military structure, the illustration of which was seen in terms of planning during the Kosovo operations. The necessary reform of NATO implies setting up a multilateral procedure for military decision-making, and a better symbiosis between military activities and political requirements, particularly by means of an adaptation of the command system that will allow it to discharge properly the new tasks assigned to NATO. In this respect the Saint-Malo process could provide an opportunity for an initiative within NATO itself, so as to allow a truly balanced Alliance to emerge. Progress on European issues is partly contingent on a reform of the Atlantic Alliance.

This content is published in French - Après le Kosovo : pour un nouveau contrat transatlantique