On Thursday, June 15, 2023, 2:30 PM, a discussion group was assembled to talk about enlarging membership in NATO since the Cold War. Moderator Peter Baker, New York Times, presided over the conclave consisting of James Goldgeier, Brookings; Jim Townsant, Center for the New American Security; Professor Joshua Shifrinson, University of Maryland; and Ms. Susan Colbourn, Program in Grand Strategy.
As early as 1997, Dr. Z. Brzezinski mentioned in a speech just prior to a NATO summit meeting in Madrid, that he thought Ukraine might qualify as a member in it; though the issue of corruption in government would sometimes be akso brought up as a hindrance to its membership anytime soon. And, occasionally both Georgia and the Ukraine were mentioned together since they both were invaded by Russian forces, I understand in 2014.
Even at one time or another, Russia itself was singled out as a possible candidate, though the Russian hierarchy did not favorably welcome the presence of a friendly force backed by America so close to its frontier.
Be it noted, that apparently both Sweden and Finland sought membership from NATO itself, since the invasion of Ukraine last year. Currently, Ukraine would seemingly be on the path toward membership; and it is now certainly benefiting from the military aid from European countries, most also members of NATO, along with the US.
Any thought of not granting membership to the former USSR satellites was voiced at the discussion regarding how Russia would regard the acceptance, given how close they are to Russian land.
Expansion of membership and the path toward becoming a member will probably be discussed at the next summit meeting coming up pretty soon.
It was noted, how Russia would regard any continued expansion of NATO toward its territory is no longer a primary concern as was in earlier times, though some participants were aware that President Biden has assured he wants the United States to remain out of confrontation with the Russian military.
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