This book builds on the six years of hands-on experience that the author had while working in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.  It provides an overview and history of NATO, looks at the political and military components of the Alliance, as well as the military command from the perspective of real-world contemporary NATO operations and planning. The author also looks at the military training, lessons, and exercise components and how it prepares forces to support upcoming NATO Response Force (NRF) rotations to ensure that NATO is a viable threat deterrent and responsive organization to both Article 5 and non-Article 5 operations. This book will serve as a primer into the world's longest enduring Alliance and one that has made an impact on real world operations over the last 20 years in Europe (Bosnia and Kosovo), Africa (Libya), Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan), and the Middle East (Iraq).

'Powerful and compelling. One of the world's most prolific writers on military intelligence and U.S. public administration has woven together a concise and commanding book on NATO and its continued relevance in peace keeping and global security. A must read.'

- Lorenda Naylor, PH.D., Associate Professor and Schaefer Center Faculty Fellow, College of Public Affairs, University of Baltimore, USA

'If you think NATO is a Cold War relic, this book will convince you of the contrary. History's longest lasting defense alliance will continue to play an important role in the XXI century. Utilizing recent information, the author explains how NATO has repeatedly risen to the occasion to address conflicts in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is also a critical approach that identifies and explains its shortcomings and new challenges.'

- Javier Aguayo, PH.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science, York College of Pennsylvania, USA

This book builds on the six years of hands-on experience that the author had while working in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It provides an overview and history of NATO, looks at the political and military components of the Alliance, as well as the military command from the perspective of real-world contemporary NATO operations and planning. The author also looks at the military training, lessons, and exercise components and how it prepares forces to support upcoming NATO Response Force (NRF) rotations to ensure that NATO is a viable threat deterrent and responsive organization to both Article 5 and non-Article 5 operations. This book will serve as a primer into the world's longest enduring Alliance and one that has made an impact on real world operations over the last 20 years in Europe (Bosnia and Kosovo), Africa (Libya), Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan), and the Middle East (Iraq).

John Michael Weaver, DPA (University of Baltimore), is Associate Professor of Intelligence Analysis, York College of Pennsylvania (USA), a retired lieutenant colonel from the US Army, and a retired civilian from the Intelligence Community of the US.