The United States should work with the European Union and NATO member states to help Georgia and Ukraine achieve security and prosperity. We will be more effective if we work multilaterally with our allies because Euro-Atlantic institutions have the tools and experience to make assistance to these countries lasting and substantive.
The administration should take an active role in promoting the modernization and democratization of Georgia and Ukraine through robust participation in the new NATO Annual National Programs. The ANP outline goals and activities intended to advance internal reforms in these two counties. Creation of the ANP took Membership Action Plans off the table for Georgia and Ukraine in the medium term and therefore defused some of the tension with Russia over NATO cooperation with both countries. The word “membership” in MAP caused a harsh reaction in Moscow; ANP allowed NATO to achieve MAP’s substance without the controversy. NATO member-states will be able to increase the substance of Euro-Atlantic integration—defense modernization, political transformation, rule of law, and social reforms—with less negative impact on our relations with Moscow. Once NATO approves the ANP later this year, the United States should take a leadership role in ensuring their effective implementation.
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