NATO officials plan to unveil the new NATO Strategic Concept during the Alliance's summit in Portugal at the end of 2010. This monograph focuses on the impact the Strategic Concept will have on the Alliance. It analyzes recent trends within NATO and their implications, and describes four possible future scenarios which would impact on NATO. The Alliance membership has grown to 28 countries and it faces problems with changing demographics, an awkward relationship with Russia, a war in Afghanistan and threats of global jihad. Muslim immigration into Europe and population aging will have a great impact on European views of the Alliance. NATO must decide how closely it wants to work and coordinate with Russia in future endeavors. The most important issue at hand is how NATO is going to fare coming out of the war in Afghanistan. It is imperative that the New Strategic Concept address NATO goals in Afghanistan and the ways and means of accomplishing those goals. Defined goals will give member nations objectives while formulating national defense plans. Getting the Strategic Concept right is the first step in maintaining the health of the Alliance.

Cover title. "May 2010."

Implications of a changing NATO / Part 1. NATO in context. Current state of affairs within the NATO Alliance -- NATO countries today -- NATO countries in the future: changing demographics -- Potential threats to NATO -- The awkward relationship with Russia -- NATO and Afghanistan, and the threat of the global jihadists -- Summary / Part 2. Futuring NATO. NATO's view of the future -- NATO future scenarios -- Summary / Part 3. Summary and recommendations. NATO Strategic Concept 2010 -- Conclusion -- Recommendations / Appendix: summary of the multiple futures project and future world scenarios.