NATO's new members: what can they learn from Spain?

Abstract

When Spain joined NATO, the country was very different from those initial signatories or even those that aligned themselves with the Organization after the original treaty establishment of 1949. Like the three countries currently embarking on NATO integration, Spain was a newly formed democracy still in the process of democratic consolidation when the NATO accession papers were filed. However, in contrast to Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, for several decades Spain had looked to the west and even though not a member of NATO, Spain maintained close ties with several NATO countries. Even with these differences, there is still much to be learned from Spain's integration into NATO. Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland should carefully study the path Spain followed into NATO and determine what may or may not suit them from this experience in their current undertaking. Can Spain serve as an example for the three new members? A look at the differences and similarities between Spain and the three may provide insight for the way Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland proceed in their integration process.