SODOM & GOMORRAH: Not largely used in defense conversation since the 1990’s, the “arc of instability” returns to NATO discussions.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization plans to deploy a new missile defense program in Romania this week. The reaction force in Eastern Europe has been increased by 5,000 troops and, despite Russian criticism, NATO seeks to “deter” Russia by “reassuring” Eastern European allies. Discussions are also underway for methods to rebuild defense infrastructure that hasn’t existed since the Cold War.
Moscow argues that the missile shield violates a 1997 treaty with NATO since it can be used offensively. NATO officials have likewise complained about Russia’s “lack of predictability” and how we’re entering a phase where there’s an “arc of instability”. This particular phrase was last used to describe a series of interconnected politically unstable countries in Asia, is now being used to describe Eastern Europe.
No doubt this is all part of the “peaceful order of Europe” described by the United States.