Routledge Handbook of NATO

This handbook provides a comprehensive survey of the development and importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), its role in international relations and its influence on history.

The volume examines the Alliance?s evolution in breadth, depth and context by analysing and explaining why and how NATO has endured and remained relevant since its creation. To present an inclusive study of the Alliance?s activities and milestone events and to offer a glimpse of future challenges, the book?s 29 chapters fall into six thematic sections that act as frameworks and allow the exploration of specific topics that pertain to the evolution of NATO:

• Part I: History of NATO, 1949?2024


• Part II: Key Enduring Themes, 1949?2024


• Part III: Military Operations, 1995?2024


• Part IV: National Perspectives, 1949?2024


• Part V: Regional Perspectives, 1949?2024


• Part VI: Future Prospects, 2024?

This handbook will be of much interest to students and researchers of NATO, strategic studies, defence studies and International Relations, as well as for staff and fellows at security- and defence-oriented think tanks and government officials, military personnel and other practitioners in the areas of foreign affairs and defence.

'The enduring success and durability of NATO have been due to its capacity to adapt and change to accommodate a world in turmoil. Just as it stood firm in the Cold War, the most successful-ever Alliance of like-thinking, freedom-loving nations stands today as united, necessary and vital as ever. The Routledge Handbook of NATO is an authoritative guide on this remarkable transatlantic relationship, highly recommended for diplomats, military officers and university students.'

Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, NATO Secretary General, 1999-2003

'The Routledge Handbook of NATO is indispensable reading for government officials, defence-oriented scholars and all readers on both sides of the Atlantic concerned with security in today?s unstable world. John Olsen and his team of co-authors examine NATO from various perspectives, showing how and why NATO has stayed relevant for seventy-five years and demonstrating that NATO remains essential to sustaining freedom in the Western world.'

General (ret.) Philip M Breedlove, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, 2013-2016

'It is remarkable that NATO is still going after 75 years. It was able to demonstrate its continuing vitality and unity in its robust response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. John Olsen has assembled a stellar cast to explain the origins of the Alliance, its history and its practices. This will serve as a definitive and invaluable guide as it faces its next set of challenges.'

Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King?s College London

'This impressive compendium has gathered the most knowledgeable experts to assess NATO?s past and present, and also wrestle with its prospects. There can be no better celebration of the Alliance?s 75^th anniversary than this volume that offers such valuable perspectives on its future.'

Rose Gottemoeller, Lecturer, Stanford University, NATO Deputy Secretary General, 2016-2019

'This survey of the history and main themes preoccupying NATO is a very useful introduction for students, journalists, and practitioners alike. The chapters cover technical ground based on NATO and government archives generally accessible only to researchers, but also point to key documents that are online. An essential starting point for any research on NATO.' 

Beatrice Heuser, Chair of International Relations, University of Glasgow

'NATO is the very embodiment of our transatlantic community based on democratic values, common interests and a rules-based international order. It is also the cornerstone of a prosperous and peaceful Europe. There are hundreds of books on NATO but none so comprehensive, well-structured and sensitive to context as this one. John Olsen and his skillful team tell the story of an extraordinary intergovernmental organization that protects its one billion citizens. I strongly recommend this book to government officials, military officers, scholars and university students in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.' 

General (ret.) Tod D. Wolters, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, 2019-2022

'In a world characterized by persistent, boundless and simultaneous competition, NATO at seventy-five continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt to protect our shared future. As we embark on the rapid and profound transformation our great Alliance needs in the face of current and future challenges, anyone interested in finding out how we got here and where we are headed will find much to learn in the Routledge Handbook of NATO.'    

General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, 2021-

'NATO has been the foundation of European security and defence since its inception. While its relevance often has been questioned, it has consistently proven its worth as a political forum, a powerful military organization and a values-based community cementing peaceful relations among Western nations. The Routledge Handbook of NATO is tightly structured yet wide-ranging, with contributions by a stellar set of authors unfolding the story of the evolution, internal dynamics and influence of one of the most successful and enduring organizations in international politics. Anyone interested in understanding Cold War history and contemporary security and defence policy issues will find this book of great value.'

Frans Osinga, Chair in War Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

'International security institutions have assumed greater importance even while they are under severe strain due to geopolitical challenges. The perfect example of this is NATO, which has played a leading role in its support for Ukraine in its war with Russia for two years now. At the same time, there are serious concerns over its future related to the upcoming US elections and the rise of far-right parties in Europe. Hence it could not be more timely that John Andreas Olsen has pulled together a range of experts and scholars to delve deeply into the Alliance. The Routledge Handbook of NATO offers a timely and important overview - and a reminder - of NATO?s important role in maintaining peace and security, and not just in the Transatlantic space.'

Karin von Hippel, Director?General, RUSI