key term - Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty

Definition

The Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty was a landmark arms control agreement signed in 1990 that aimed to establish a military balance between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries by limiting the quantity of conventional military equipment. This treaty played a significant role in reducing the risk of conflict during the Cold War by capping tanks, artillery, and aircraft, thereby fostering greater security and stability in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CFE Treaty was signed in Paris on November 19, 1990, by 22 nations, including all NATO members and Warsaw Pact countries.
2. One of the main goals of the treaty was to promote transparency and confidence among member states by requiring regular data exchanges on military holdings.
3. The CFE Treaty established limits on key categories of military equipment, including battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, heavy artillery, combat aircraft, and attack helicopters.
4. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the treaty was adapted to include former Warsaw Pact countries and was expanded to other European nations.
5. The treaty was considered a major step towards reducing tensions in Europe and contributed to the overall process of arms reduction following the Cold War.

Review Questions

• How did the CFE Treaty impact military relations between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries?
  • The CFE Treaty significantly improved military relations between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries by establishing limits on conventional forces. By capping the number of tanks, artillery pieces, and aircraft each side could possess, the treaty aimed to create a military balance that reduced the risk of conflict. This openness fostered greater trust and cooperation between former adversaries, ultimately contributing to a more stable European security environment.
• Discuss the implications of the CFE Treaty for the stability of post-Cold War Europe.
  • The CFE Treaty had profound implications for post-Cold War Europe by promoting disarmament and enhancing security among European nations. By limiting conventional forces, it not only alleviated fears of large-scale military confrontations but also encouraged dialogue and collaboration among former rival states. The treaty set a precedent for future arms control agreements and paved the way for further integration and cooperation in European security frameworks.
• Evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the CFE Treaty in maintaining peace and security in Europe after its signing.
  • While the CFE Treaty initially contributed to a decrease in tensions and an increase in transparency among European nations, its long-term effectiveness has been challenged by geopolitical changes and differing national interests. Issues arose with compliance and interpretation of treaty provisions after some countries felt it no longer addressed their security needs. Despite these challenges, the treaty remains a significant milestone in arms control history that laid the groundwork for future discussions on European security and disarmament efforts.

Related terms

NATO:

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance established in 1949 for collective defense against aggression.

Warsaw Pact:

A military alliance of communist nations in Eastern Europe formed in 1955 as a response to NATO, which included the Soviet Union and its satellite states.

Arms Control: Efforts to regulate and limit the development, production, stockpiling, and deployment of weapons, particularly nuclear and conventional forces.