Publication

This paper discusses interoperability between members state forces in NATO arguing that it can provide a way to enhance trust and cooperation in the Alliance. More specifically, the author discusses 1) the strategic environments which NATO has had to operate in during its history as well as the strategic context it faces today; 2) the importance of interoperability, particularly for operations and strategy; 3) how trust between member state forces eroded during the Alliance's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan; 4) how despite this erosion of trust, interoperability has emerged as a key strength of NATO; 5) how NATO has placed a growing emphasis on interoperability in its strategic guidelines and declarations; and 6) what NATO can do to improve interoperability within its doctrine, organization, training and other areas.