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NATO becomes Operational

In the 1990s, NATO became operational for the first time in its 40-year history. The operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and later in Kosovo were a transformative experience for the Alliance. These were out-of-area engagements with new political and operational challenges. 

 In this episode a former NATO spokesperson recalls the key events that marked NATO’s involvement in the Balkans. 

HOSTS: Dr. Stella Adorf, Master Sergeant Alex Burnett, Dr. Linda Risso 

GUESTS: Jamie Shea, Michael Ruehle, Carmen Romero 

SOURCES: 

Statement on the Situation in Former Yugoslavia, 30 May 1995
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_24754.htm?selectedLocale=en 

Statement on Bosnia-Herzegovina, 5 December 1995
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_24719.htm?selectedLocale=en 

Press Conference on Transfer of Authority to IFOR Opening Statement, 20 December 1995
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_24762.htm?selectedLocale=en 

Declaration by the North Atlantic Council on IFOR's role in the transition to peace, 29 April 1996
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_25070.htm?selectedLocale=en 

Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the situation in Albania, 13 March 1997
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_25476.htm?selectedLocale=en 

Special Declaration on Bosnia and Herzegovina, 8 July 1997
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_25459.htm?selectedLocale=en 

Political and Military Objectives of NATO Action with regard to the crisis in Kosovo, 23 March 1999
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_27451.htm?selectedLocale=en