NATO expansion a good thing

NATO may no longer have a well-defined reason to exist, now that the Cold War is a thing for the history books and Russia is a struggling democracy. Its mission has been further confused in recent years by its involvement in the internal affairs of a turbulent Serbia. And yet, it is an alliance that represents a great deal of what the nations of the world need in order to prosper in peace.

To be a member, a nation must value and exhibit standards of democracy, and it must have the willingness and ability to come to the defense of all other member states.

Seven former Soviet states formally became members of the alliance this week, including three Baltic states that once had great strategic value to the Soviets. This is a tremendous sign of progress in these nations. For the first time ever, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are entering a military alliance of their own accord. No one is forcing them at the end of a bayonet. No one in a hostile nation will ever again send their young men to die for causes they do not support.

These three states represent tremendous success stories. Estonia now ranks sixth in the annual Index of Economic Freedom published annually by the Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation. It has relatively low tax rates, a judicial system that vigorously protects private property rights and a stable free-market economy. The same index ranks Lithuania 22nd and Latvia 29th out of 155 nations. They are shining lights in a post-Cold War world. But because of their success, they seldom receive the recognition they deserve.

Russia has expressed displeasure at NATO's expansion, going so far as to hint that it could be viewed as a hostile act. But the Russians certainly can't be surprised by it, nor by the attitude of former satellite republics who long for security. Nor should NATO be overly concerned with veiled threats from a Russia that can hardly afford — literally or in any political sense — to begin flexing its muscles again.

Still, NATO should continue its efforts to reassure Russia that it has nothing to fear from a peaceful alliance that has, more than anything, become a beacon for the peaceful coexistence of freedom-loving states.

The United States has a great interest in keeping Europe free and secure. NATO's gradual and deliberate expansion into formerly troubled nations is a great sign of hope after a 20th century filled with unrest.