NATO ’ s Southern Flank Threats
Drivers of Instability in late 2010 was a euphoric experience , a source of exuberant optimism . Unfortunately , the hope to establish democracies in the region was short-lived , it was the initial catalyst of the current insecurity throughout NATO ’ s Southern flank . The violent escalation and growing instability remains and jihadists are gaining strong footholds throughout the region . e . Radical and violent non-state actors : NATO ’ s Southern flank is exposed to a myriad of security challenges linked to the emergence of radical and violent nonstate actors . The Alliance ’ s Southern flank is exposed to the al-Qaeda terrorist threat along the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean coasts . More recently , the center of attention has shifted to Daesh ( or self-proclaimed “ Islamic State ”), whose emergence has compounded the threat perception map for NATO allies . This terrorist group has also been acting as a foreign fighter magnet and trainer , with long-term implications for the security of NATO allies .
f . Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction among non-state actors : Major threats that certain states and , particularly , non-state actors pose to the NATO alliance is the proliferation of WMD , from nuclear to biological to chemical weapons . A number of technological developments have increased the risk of the proliferation of biological and chemical weapons on the Southern flank . The WMD threat emanating from non-state actors also found its place in NATO ’ s 2010 Strategic Concept . The document states that : “ terrorism poses a direct threat to the security of the citizens of NATO countries , and to international stability and prosperity more broadly . Extremist groups continue to spread to , and in , areas of strategic importance to the Alliance , and modern technology increases the threat and potential impact of terrorist attacks , in particular if terrorists were to acquire nuclear , chemical , biological or radiological capabilities .”
Conclusion
The continuing crises and instability across the Middle East and North Africa region , in particular in Syria , Iraq and Libya , as well as the threat of terrorism and violent extremism across the region and beyond , demonstrate that the security of the region has direct implications for the security of NATO . There is an arc of insecurity and instability along NATO ’ s periphery and beyond , that it also contributes to the refugee and migrant crisis . The global threat of terrorism knows no border , nationality , or religion . The Alliance faces a range of security challenges and threats that originate from the south , however peace and stability in this region are essential for the Alliance . Threat from NATO ’ s Southern Flank has increased and widened across the Sahel requiring a long term comprehensive effort .
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