An Analysis of Political Motivations Behind NATO Operations

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the political motivations that have influenced NATO's operational activities, particularly focusing on its shift towards supporting rebel causes. The study examines NATO's structure, objectives, and the influence of its leading members, specifically the US and UK, in shaping its actions. The research investigates the consequences of the Libyan expedition on NATO's reputation, especially in the Eastern world. The methodology includes a literature review and thematic analysis to assess the appropriateness of NATO being used as a political tool and its impact on global security. The report concludes with recommendations for NATO to strengthen its political role, reduce the influence of leading countries, and adapt to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

To analyse the political
motivations

Acknowledgement
The dissertation would not have been a successful one without the guidance of certain
people. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teacher __________, who introduced
me to this topic and helped me to move towards the light of knowledge. Special thanks to my
parents who have always guided and encouraged me to diligently complete any task.
Further, I would like to thank my friend ______, who helped me understanding different
research methods that can be applied on the present dissertation. I am thankful to him that I came
to know so many new things.
In the end, I would like to thank all the people who have their tangible or intangible
contribution to this research. It has helped me in finalizing the project effectively in the limited
time frame.

Abstract
It is important that any country have adequate amount of peace in the society. It can
certainly help people in living with utmost security in that state. The present dissertation aims to
analyse the political motivations that enabled an organisation which is usually associated with
peacekeeping to seemingly change its operational activities which has direct assistance to rebel
causes.
NATO is a peacekeeping organization having the aim of providing security through
means of politics and military to its member states. To analyse the stated aim, secondary type of
investigation has been used to analyse the data. Further, literature from various scholars, books,
journals have been able to conclude that it is important for NATO to change its operational
activities and reduce the role of UK and USA in decision making aspect of the organization.
Further, it has been recommended that the organization is required to bring adequate
amount of change in its reforms that can further help it in playing its role more effectively.
Moreover, it has also been recommended that it is required to reduce the interference of leading
countries so that decisions can be taken for other countries.

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview..........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Rationale of the research..................................................................................................6
1.3 Aim of the study...............................................................................................................7
1.4 Objectives of the study.....................................................................................................7
1.5 Research questions...........................................................................................................8
1.6 Significance of the study..................................................................................................8
1.7 Scope of study..................................................................................................................9
1.8 Limitations of the study..................................................................................................10
1.9 Conceptual framework analysis.....................................................................................11
1.10 Dissertation structure....................................................................................................12
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................14
2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................14
2.2 Importance of political stability in the country..............................................................14
2.3 Formation and objectives of NATO...............................................................................15
2.4 Appropriateness of NATO being used as a political tool...............................................16
2.5 Consequences of Libyan expedition which led to affecting NATO’s reputation..........18
2.6 Assistance of political stability towards growth of the economy and role of NATO in it19
2.7 Requirement of NATO to be used as political stability tool..........................................21
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................23
3.1 Research Introduction.....................................................................................................23
3.2 Type of investigation......................................................................................................23
3.3 Research Approach.........................................................................................................24
3.4 Research Design.............................................................................................................24
3.5 Research Philosophy......................................................................................................25
3.6 Data Collection...............................................................................................................26
3.7 Data Analysis..................................................................................................................27
3.8 Validity and reliability....................................................................................................27
3.9 Ethical consideration......................................................................................................28

3.10 Research Limitations....................................................................................................29
CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS.........................................................................32
4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................32
4.2 Thematic Analysis..........................................................................................................32
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................37
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................37
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................40
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................42

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Political stability is an important aspect of promoting peace in individual countries. It
helps in smooth functioning of the activities of the nation. The activities conducted by the
organisations working in the country must be able to integrate all the activities so that smooth
business operation can be initiated. This dissertation is based on understanding the military and
polical aspects of NATO, that is, North Atlantic Treaty Organization which aims at providing
security through means of politics and military to its member states. NATO guarantees freedom
to the countries involved as a member state of NATO with the help of the following:
Political: It helps in promoting democratic values in the country. Further, helps in dealing with
security related issues. It helps in solving problems and building trust for the long run in order to
prevent conflicts.
Military: Another objective of NATO is to ensure solving the disputes in peaceful manner. If the
process turns out to be a failure, in that case, military power is undertaken to resolve the issue.
The method is included in collective defence clause of NATO's founding treaty (Ferro, 2012).
Both military and non-military measures are taken into consideration to deal with the
crises between countries. It helps in dealing with the emerging crisis in the member state and
ensuring complex security environment for them. The main permanent member states of NATO
are France, United Kingdom and the United States. Hence, it is liable to promote security in
Europe. In case of conflicts or any major dispute arising in the country, NATO can be called for
help. The present study is conducted to assess that whether it is appropriate for NATO to be used
as a political tool by which to further the regime change desires of its leading members, that is,
US and UK. Further, it will also analyse potential damage done to NATO's reputation (in the
Eastern world) as a consequence of the Libyan expedition. In the end recommendation on the
same will also be provided to NATO in order to strengthen its political role (Eyal, 2012).
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between various North American and
European states which was singed on 4th April 1949. There are 29 independent members of
NATO. Further, there are 21 countries who participate in partnership for peace program (Thakur,
2016). The three permanent members of this organization are, UK, US and France. The twelve
founding members of this organization are, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, Norway,

Luxembourg, Iceland, Denmark, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal. The main
aim of the organization is to protect the freedom of its member states with the help of Unified
approach of protecting the rights of civilians. The organization was launched with the objective
serve the purpose of political stability and military intervention for protection of the member
state. The headquarters of NATO is situated in Brussels, Belgium (Turner, 2016).
If any of the member of NATO is attacked, it is viewed as an attack to other member
states as well. This idea has been expressed in Article 5 of the treaty. The target is to spend 2%
of GDP on NATO members. Another aim is to protect the stability of region by providing them
with security forces as and when requirement arises.
Figure 1NATO's Affiliation
(Source: Pindják, 2014)
The maps above show the presence of partnerships across different states all around the
world. The map on the left covers NATO’s affiliations in Europe. However, the map on the right
shows partnerships with the NATO globally. It indicates that there is a worldwide presence of
NATO members. NATO is considered to be the representative of the population of 900 million
people (Chaban et al., 2017). It helps in solving disputes that arise within member states and
ensures peace and stability in the world. It also initiates stronger relationships between the
member countries so that friendly and cooperative behaviour can be promoted. To help each
other brings common security sense to the countries. It has tried to bring various countries under

its umbrella with the objective to unite them to bring economic stability and reduce wars in the
world. It helps in fighting with, terrorism, corruption and cyber-attacks to keep the member
states strong and bring advancements in the military front (Schleifer, 2014).
This research analyses the political motivations that enabled an organisation which is
usually associated with peacekeeping to seemingly change organization’s operational activities
which have direct assistance to rebel causes. It will help in gathering significant amount of
understanding regarding the stated subject. Further, it will help in concreting the knowledge
regarding various functions and objectives of NATO.
Apart from political and military requirements, there are various other functions that are
fulfilled by NATO. Hence, the other essential tasks that are to be kept by peacekeeping
organization are as follows:
 Collective defence: The members always takes the steps to protect each other from any
crisis that could take place in the organization. It is the facts that has been disclosed in
Article 5 of the Washington treaty. It is a type of commitment which is firm and
binding and has to be followed by all the member states in the signatory list.
 Crisis management: NATO holds a unique type of capability where it tends to see the
full spectrum of the state which is faced by the countries so as to make the assessment
of crisis management. It helps in providing adequate number of tools which can
prevent or cure ongoing conflicts in the organization. It helps in consolidating to the
situations which bring unstable environment to the country.
 Cooperative security: The alliance has stronger impact of political and military
situations prevailing in the states. The development is required to be carried out beyond
the geographical borders. There is an active engagement of peacekeeping organization
to enhance international security so that adequate amount of peace can be maintained.
It helps various countries by giving active contribution towards arms control, keeping
the door to membership alliance open and help the states as and when required
(Vrajolli and Kallaba, 2012).
The organization has been very well able to delegate its functions. However, the main issue
faced by it is that the main functions are not being delivered by it to its member state in
appropriate manner.

1.2 Rationale of the research
It is important that the research that is conducted holds some value so that its purpose can
be served. Hence, the scholar must understand the rationale of the research so that its relevance
can be ascertained. Inadequate and inappropriate knowledge of the researcher regarding this
topic have attracted him to conduct research over this particular topic. Further, the growing
involvement of NATO in political stability have also attracted the researcher towards this topic.
Moreover, the study has been conducted to assess different aspect of NATO which is not
known to the researcher. It will help in reaching to the better conclusion of the aim and
objectives framed (Smith, 2015).
The research also holds importance in understanding various aspects of NATO. Further,
aims and objectives of this peacekeeping organisation have been assessed. The study has also
collected valid arguments regarding the objectives of US and UK concerning NATO. The
literature review helped the researcher to assess the research gaps prevailing in the studies that
have been performed and represented earlier. It helps in generating best outcomes in front of the
reader regarding the stated subject. NATO is considered to be one of the important organisation
that is being prevailed in the world to initiate peace in the world. The researcher has been able to
gather various data and assess that whether they adequately fulfil the objectives of the
organisation or not. In order to make this analysis, conduction of research on this topic is
important for the researcher so that the best recommendations can be suggested (Beardsley,
2013).
1.3 Aim of the study
This project intends to analyse the political motivations that enabled an organisation which
is usually associated with peacekeeping to seemingly change its operational activities which have
direct assistance to rebel causes.
1.4 Objectives of the study
The main aim of ascertaining the objective for the research is that it helps in finding out
that what all aspects are being covered in the present research. Based on the aim being formed
for the study, various objectives can be formulated. In the present research of NATO the main
objectives of the study that will be considered are as follows:
 To assess whether it is appropriate for NATO to be used as a political tool by which to
further the regime change desires of its leading members (the US and the UK)

 To evaluate the potential damage done to NATO's reputation (in the Eastern world) as a
consequence of the Libyan expedition.
 To recommend ways or strategies to strengthens the political role of NATO
1.5 Significance of the study
It is important to assess whether it is appropriate for NATO to be used as a political tool
by which to further the regime change desires of its leading members. The study is important to
ascertain the role of the stated organisation which helps in ensuring peace and prosperity in the
nation. The present study will help in assessing the political aspects of the organisation. The
study will help in shedding light on damages to NATO’s reputation caused by the Libyan
expeditions. (Kanet and Larivé, 2012).
Further the present research on NATO will be helpful and hold great importance in the
following aspects: Academically: The topic is important from the perspective of academics. The topic will
help in understanding different factors that are related to the functioning of NATO.
Further it will also be important to understand the political stability extended by NATO
in its functionality (Saunders and Lewis, 2012). Hence, the academic importance to the
research is wide and useful. To shape better policies for countries: Better understanding of the functions of NATO
will help the policy makers to understand its role in peacekeeping in the country. Further,
helps can be demanded from the organization at the time of crisis. Hence, better
understanding to the topic will help the policy makers to frame better policies for the
country and initiate peaceful and secure environment. The research will also help in
gathering data regarding its positive and negative aspects. It will also be able to analyse
its functions which can be helpful in making the concept and objectives of NATO strong.
The key focus areas can be derived with the help of research which will ultimately help
policymakers in framing policies.
 To understand the political aspects of the country: The discussion will help in
developing a clear understanding regarding political state of the countries and role of
NATO in bringing stability to them. Further, the political issues faced by different
countries and how NATO helps in solving out these problems can be clearly understood
after studying the present research on NATO (Dunne 2013). It is important for the

researcher to understand that political aspects may vary from country to country. To
make a comparative analysis and then reaching out to the conclusion will be the best
method that can be adopted while assessing the political factors in different countries.
Based on which further decision making can be initiated by NATO while delivering its
services to it different member countries (Barnes and Hoerber, 2013).
 To develop political knowledge: The researcher will be able to gather adequate amount
of political knowledge in the stated subject. Moreover, various terms and abbreviation
that are commonly used in this field can also be assessed which can help in further
studying the topic in appropriate manner. Hence, the research will be able to gather
adequate amount of knowledge regarding different political motives and various aspects
of politics in detail.
1.6 Scope of study
The scope of the study is wide so that the reader can get a comprehensive idea regarding
NATO's functioning and its impact on the political stability of the country. Further, it will help in
making the knowledge of the reader concrete regarding potential damage that has been done to
the image of NATO due to the results of Libyan expedition. Further, the main strengths and
weakness of the functioning of the organization can also be assessed through this present
research on NATO. The topics that have not been touched by the other researchers will also be
covered in the present research that will initiate extensive learnings to the readers.
Further, the topic has not been studied much and there are various loopholes that has been
gathered from the previous research. It has arisen the importance to study the topic in adequate
detail. It will help in studying various aspects of NATO and its member states. Hence, the scope
of the research is wide and require adequate amount of attention from the side of researcher
while studying the subject matter on the stated topic (Engelbrekt, Mohlin and Wagnsson, 2013).
1.7 Limitations of the study
There are various limitations that are attached to the present study of NATO. The current
study may not be conducted with the perfection as there are certain constraints to the research.
There is limited time and budget that is available to the researcher to conduct the research.
Adequate investment to it plays an important role in coming up with the valuable and effective
outcomes (Orford, 2012). The current study is based on NATO where assessment of its impact
on political factors of the country will be made. Further, there is lack of availability of secondary

information to the researcher in order to understand the concept in effective way. It has restricted
the learning towards the subject matter (Flick, 2015). Further, particular time frame has been
allotted to the researcher in order to conduct the research where consideration of all the
important factors is not possible. It has led to affect the study at a wide level. These constraints
can deviate the results and hence the conclusion to a great extent.
The views regarding political stability and steps that has been taken by NATO can be
different. The step may have proven to be beneficial to one country and on the other hand, it
could have been proven wrong for the other. It is difficult to reach out to a specific conclusion
and ascertain that what acts are right and what are wrong. In that scenario, there are higher
chances of biasness from the side of researcher while ascertaining the reason and reaching to a
specific conclusion for the research. It can be counted as a limitation to the research (Hallams,
2013).
The secondary information that is being available from different sources may not be
reliable as every researcher and other online blogposts may carry different opinion regarding the
organization. It may lead to missing out some important information as well. It can be considered
as a loophole for the study.
1.8 Conceptual framework analysis
Conceptual framework analysis is on one of the most important part of the study.
Detailed analysis of the investigation is included in the research. The present study is associated
to analyse the political motivations that enabled an organisation usually associated with
peacekeeping to seemingly change its operational mandate to one in which the rebel cause was
directly assisted. It is important to analyse that what all the research tools can be used by the
researcher so that reach to an effective conclusion for the study. Moreover, all the important
aspects are required to be considered while selecting appropriate research tool for the same.
Based, on the analysis, following tools and techniques will be used to conduct the research:
 Research design: The present study is conducted with the help of descriptive research
design. It will help in collecting large amount of data and information on NATO. The
functions of the tools are aligned to the main objective of the study. Descriptive research
is not used to describe the cause of situation but helps in describing the situation in
effective manner. It helps in understanding the events in detail and hence it will be the
best suited research design for the present research (Miller, 2015).