Conflicting Conceptions of Security in NATO:The Baltic Stance on Tactical Nuclear Weapons Reductions and its Impact on Alliance Cohesion and Strategy

Abstract

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania conceptualize security in a way that is inconsistent with the view articulated by the greater North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). These perceptions have impacted the way in which these parties have formulated their policies toward the forward deployment of American tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs) in Europe. Through discussions of their actions and interactions with one another, this paper analyzes the Baltic and NATO perceptions of security, and the impact of these differences on the future of NATO's deterrence strategy and the role of TNWs in it. n addition, it is argued that these divergences do and will impact the formulation of NATO's greater future strategic orientation. Without a homogenous perspective on what constitutes threats to the security of NATO members, it will be difficult for the alliance to develop strategies to ensure that security is maintained. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has negatively impacted NATO's relationship with the Russian Federation, such discussions have become increasingly important.