Publication

This commentary discusses the Framework Nations Concept (FNC), introduced to NATO by Germany in 2013, the aim of which is to group smaller states in Europe with particular larger states so that the groups of states together can maintain an effective defense cooperation system. The author looks at the context in which the initiative emerged; Germany's objectives in pursuing the FNC; the challenges facing the implementation of the concept, including those relating to the problem for Germany of finding partners to cooperate with it in a defense network; and what Berlin needs to do to advance the implementation of the FNC.