5.4: Comprehensive Approach
Other Information:
Several years after the concept of a comprehensive approach was widely accepted as the best means for responding to complex
security challenges, NATO efforts to operate with civilian partners remain disjointed. As noted earlier, such an approach
often requires NATO to act in partnership with other organisations, whether in a leading or a supportive role. The Alliance's
2006 CPG describes NATO's approach to conflicts as "the coherent and comprehensive application of the various instruments
of the Alliance to create overall effects that will achieve the desired outcome." The CPG also states that NATO has "no requirement
to develop capabilities strictly for civilian purposes," relying instead on its partners. Although true in theory, this logic
has not always proven out in practice. Effective military-civilian relationships require a good deal of hard work. Military
and civilian personnel tend to plan differently, set different priorities, establish different standards of accountability,
recruit and deploy personnel differently, and often even speak the same language in ways that one has trouble understanding
the other. In fact, NATO today does not work as well as it should -- indeed, as it must -- with civilian organisations. The
Strategic Concept must address this shortcoming, while also encouraging each Ally to improve the ability of its military to
work with civilian partners. Recommendations:
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