U.S. Policy towards NATO: Continuation with Risk of Change

The Polish Institute of International Affairs is an analytical institution established by an act of Parliament in 1996 to carry out research and provide expertise in international affairs. PISM disseminates information on contemporary international issues and maintains contacts with academic and political centres in Poland and abroad. The Institute runs courses for public servants, maintains a library (open to the public; 165,000 books and journals), organises conferences, and publishes books, periodicals and documents on Polish foreign policy and international matters.

The funding for PISM comes from the budget. The director is appointed by the prime minister for a term of five years, following consultation with the minister of foreign affairs. The minister supervises the Institute and appoints its advisory council, which includes a representative of the President of the Republic of Poland, academics and officials.U.S. pressure on Allies to increase defence spending to at least 2% of GDP might lead to a strengthening of NATO, but also would entail a risk of weakening transatlantic ties. The Alliance and its members, including Poland, should also expect further calls for greater involvement in the fight against terrorism. Further funding for U.S. actions aimed at strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank was yet to be specified. U.S. policy towards Russia remained unclear too.

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