NATO Enlargement

This study examines NATO enlargement and its potential effects on the Republic of Italy. Initial emphasis falls on context, with stress on Southern Region security issues and NATO enlargement in general. The analysis extends to the likely impact NATO expansion on Italy's foreign policy, its military, the domestic-political situation, and the Italian economy. The conclusion is that NATO enlargement will affect Italy's foreign policy more than the other areas analyzed. The Italian military will make some contributions to new NATO missions resulting from expansion, mostly in the way of logistical support, but with some Immediate and Rapid Reaction forces. Enlargement has the potential to influence the domestic-political situation as an issue which unites or divides political coalitions in Italy's government. NATO enlargement should have minimal impact on Italy's economy. This study shows that the NATO enlargement initiative is complex and holds no easy answers. Much thought and study should precede the expansion of the Alliance. In the event that NATO enlargement actually occurs, the Republic of Italy will be affected, although the exact degree and nature of the impact remain to be determined.