HOW NATO WEAKENS THE WEST

by Melvyn Krauss ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1986

As the world distances itself further and further from the cataclysm of WW II, more writers are questioning the presumptions of the postwar world. The book at hand questions probably the premier presumption--NATO. Krauss, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of Development Without Aid, The New Protectionism, and The Economics of Integration, argues bluntly that it is time for the US to jettison the alliance because America's shouldering of the burden of Europe's defense undermines our allies' desire and ability to support and defend themselves, While America has given Europe a ""free ride"" in defense, he says, they have alloted their economic resources to building up their welfare state. His great fear is not that the Soviets will ever invade Western Europe, ""but that Western Europe will 'Finlandize' itself to the point where a Soviet military invasion is redundant."" Krauss' ultimate recommendation is that the US announce a phased withdrawal of troops in Europe, as well as from South Korea. This, in turn, will force Japan to ""get the message"" and contribute more to the defense of the Pacific theatre. This is risky policy, carrying with it the danger of throwing the baby out with the bath-water. Nevertheless, its exposition is thoughtful and demands greater discussion.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION