PUBLICATIONS BY Sally McNamara
Research
Commentary
Media Appearances
2009 Research
October 20, 2009
The German Elections: False Dawn for the Obama-Merkel Era
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2330)
While German-American relations have improved in tone from the thinly veiled hostility of Gerhard Schroeder's chancellorship, all is not perfect between recently re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Obama. German troops in Afghanistan sit on the sidelines while American and British soldiers fight and die; Germany actively pursues trade with Iran, opposing tougher sanctions on the terror regime; Berlin and Moscow are becoming disconcertingly cozy; and Merkel supports a separate EU defense force at the expense of Germany's NATO commitments.
September 03, 2009
President Obama Must Not Surrender to Russia on Missile Defense
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2603)
Abandoning the third site missile defense installation would sacrifice U.S. interests, as well as those of its allies in Europe, on the altar of political vanity. Such a move would also grant Russia a strategic victory and embolden Iran.
July 28, 2009
Priorities for Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO's New Secretary General
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2567)
At NATO's 60th anniversary summit in Strasbourg-Kehl this past April, the alliance appointed former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen to succeed Jaap de Hoop Scheffer as secretary general. Although Rasmussen's appointment--facing strong Turkish opposition--was controversial, it is important that he takes office with a clear vision for the future of the alliance.
July 08, 2009
President Obama Retreats on Third-Site Missile Defenses
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2529)
For the sake of U.S. national security and to prevent another dangerous geopolitical setback in Russia's neighborhood, President Obama should make it clear that he supports the deployment of missile defenses to Poland and the Czech Republic.
June 15, 2009
The NATO First Act Would Advance Transatlantic Security
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2487)
With Barack Obama having already visited Europe twice as President, with a third visit scheduled for July, his positioning of the transatlantic alliance in his Administration's overall foreign policy is ripe for reflection.
June 09, 2009
European Elections 2009: Rising Disillusionment with the EU
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2474)
The disenchantment of the electorate with the European project was demonstrated through non-participation in the 2009 European elections and the elevation of parties opposed to further European integration.
June 02, 2009
President Obama's Second European Tour: U.S. Priorities for the Transatlantic Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2464)
President Obama must transform his popularity in Europe into tangible policy gains that advance transatlantic interests.
May 15, 2009
Recommendations for the New U.S. Ambassador to NATO
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2447)
As U.S. ambassador to NATO, Ivo Daalder cannot afford to be so equivocal in the future: In terms of transatlantic security and America's national interest, he must put NATO first.
May 08, 2009
President Obama Must Not Concede to Russian Demands over NATO
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2431)
President Obama's discussions with Minister Lavrov serve as important preparatory talks for his July 2009 meeting with President Medvedev in Moscow. The United States must be clear that it intends to reset relations with Russia, and do so only on terms that work with--and not against--American policy.
April 08, 2009
NATO's 60th Anniversary Summit: Unfocused and Unsuccessful
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2388)
In spite of President Obama's high personal approval ratings among Europeans, he did not further American interests at NATO's 60th anniversary summit last weekend.
March 25, 2009
NATO 60th Anniversary Summit: An Agenda for American Leadership
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2254)
NATO’s 60th anniversary summit will be a critical time for the transatlantic alliance, and it will likely shape the transatlantic relationship for the remainder of the Obama Administration. The war in Afghanistan is America’s top priority at the summit and it is vital that President Obama send the message that he intends to win in Afghanistan.
March 17, 2009
The EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy: How It Threatens Transatlantic Security
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2250)
In an effort to create "one telephone line" to Europe, the EU's proposed Lisbon Treaty, successor to the European Constitution, would remove foreign policy from the intergovernmental sphere and make it a supranational EU competence. An EU foreign policy will be characterized by inaction, Franco–German dominance, and an attempt to limit American power.
March 03, 2009
Secretary Clinton's European Tour: A NATO-First Agenda
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2320)
Secretary Hillary Clinton must be proactive on this European trip, requesting European military support in Afghanistan as well as confronting Russian opposition to key U.S. policies such as NATO enlargement and missile defense.
February 10, 2009
The U.S. and U.K. Must Oppose French Plans to Weaken NATO
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2285)
The French proposal to build up a separate EU defense structure—i.e., a competitor to NATO sucking up valuable NATO resources—is simply unacceptable and should be firmly rejected.
January 08, 2009
Europe Should Reduce Dependence on Russian Energy and Develop Competitive Energy Markets
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2195)
Europe's over-reliance on Russian energy is a fundamental strategic weakness. In the event that Europe continues to increase its dependence on Moscow, it will once again find itself literally left out in the cold.
January 08, 2009
Europe and the European Union Are Not One and the Same
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2197)
The new Administration must take a hard-headed look at U.S.-EU relations if it is to fashion a transatlantic relationship which serves American interests.
January 06, 2009
Reforming and Revitalizing NATO
By Sally McNamara
(Special Report #39)
President-elect Obama, during the presidential election campaign, you highlighted NATO as a valuable global partnership, and you have repeatedly made statements in support of NATO enlargement. You have called on Europe to commit more troops and resources to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and have also stated repeatedly that Georgia should receive NATO's Membership Action Plan. Your recent appointment of former NATO commander General James Jones as your national security adviser brings his considerable commitment to the Alliance to your security team.
2008 Research
December 12, 2008
Abandoning Third-Site Missile Defenses Would Threaten Transatlantic Security
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2173)
When President-elect Barack Obama finally makes his decision about whether to proceed with deployment of U.S. missile defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic, he should know that the implications of that decision will reach far beyond Warsaw and Prague: It is a decision on which the future of the transatlantic security alliance itself rests. If the United States chooses to abandon its Central and Eastern European allies as well as its obligations to NATO, it will hand the European Union a blank check to pursue an autonomous defense identity, independent of NATO, and will reduce America's influence within the transatlantic alliance significantly.
December 11, 2008
Principles and Proposals for NATO Reform
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2220)
In the post-9/11 world, NATO faces an evolving set of challenges and threats, including terrorism, ballistic missile attack, cyberterrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as traditional military challenges. NATO members should agree to new burden-sharing rules, including commitments to increase defense spending and to reduce national operational caveats, and readmit France into its integrated military command structures with conditions.
December 11, 2008
Executive Summary: Principles and Proposals for NATO Reform
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2220)
In the post-9/11 world, NATO faces an evolving set of challenges and threats, including terrorism, ballistic missile attack, cyberterrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as traditional military challenges. NATO members should agree to new burden-sharing rules, including commitments to increase defense spending and to reduce national operational caveats, and readmit France into its integrated military command structures with conditions.
October 08, 2008
Shaping the NATO—EU Relationship: What the U.S. Must Do
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2195)
The threat of traditional military confrontation in Europe has not disappeared. Key European allies must rebuild their militaries to undertake both conventional and asymmetric military operations. NATO must be the cornerstone of the transatlantic alliance and the primary actor in European security. A European defense identity should be a civilian complement to NATO and represent additional resources for European security.
October 08, 2008
Executive Summary: Shaping the NATO—EU Relationship: What the U.S. Must Do
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2195)
Executive Summary: The threat of traditional military confrontation in Europe has not disappeared. Key European allies must rebuild their militaries to undertake both conventional and asymmetric military operations. NATO must be the cornerstone of the transatlantic alliance and the primary actor in European security. A European defense identity should be a civilian complement to NATO and represent additional resources for European security.
September 09, 2008
The Return of History: Confronting the Russian Bear after the Georgian War
By Ryan O’Donnell and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2056)
Through its actions in Georgia, Russia has made clear that it has little faith in—or respect for—the West’s diplomatic, military, or economic resolve. Thus far, the West’s response has done little to invalidate Moscow's geopolitical assessments. The Heritage Foundation's policy recommendations should serve as a roadmap, guiding both the West's short-term and long-term economic, military, and diplomatic responses to Russian aggression in the 21st century.
August 28, 2008
Russia's Recognition of Independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia Is Illegitimate: They Are Not Kosovo
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2037)
Russia has signaled its intention to continue escalating the crisis in Georgia by unilaterally and illegally recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Unless West responds in unequivocal terms, it is more than likely that Russia will pursue similar policies in other neighboring states, particularly Ukraine.
August 27, 2008
The EU Must Express Solidarity with Georgia at Its Emergency Summit
By Sally McNamara and Ariel Cohen, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2036)
Violent conflict is not a thing of the past for Europe, and the sooner Europe equips itself to confront the challenges of a resurgent Russia, the better. If Europe is to take Moscow’s belligerence seriously, it needs to be ready to act with enough toughness to stop the Russian bear in its tracks.
August 22, 2008
U.S. Should Ensure That Georgia's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Are Not Undermined by the United Nations
By Sally McNamara and Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #2034)
As diplomatic efforts intensify at to the United Nations (UN) to resolve the conflict in Georgia, the United States must unambiguously define its redlines and veto any proposed resolution which does not explicitly uphold Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
August 21, 2008
Europe's Catalogue of Failures in Georgia
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #2033)
In both its symbolism and reality, the war in Georgia is a signal of Russia’s geo-strategic ambitions and a preview of what the West can expect from Moscow in the future.
June 24, 2008
Missile Defense in Europe: The Window of Opportunity Is Closing
By Sally McNamara and Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1966)
Despite a number of positive signals regarding America’s plan to field a U.S. missile defense system in Europe, two setbacks now threaten the possibility of concluding a final deal before the end of the Bush Presidency.
June 23, 2008
Why NATO Must Win in Afghanistan: A Central Front in the War on Terrorism
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2148)
NATO members cannot afford to underestimate the threat that al-Qaeda continues to pose to the West and its values of freedom, liberty, human rights, equality, and democracy. The war in Afghanistan is not yet won, and gains remain under threat so long as the region remains susceptible to al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgencies. Now is the time for the NATO Alliance to defeat the scourge of al-Qaeda.
June 23, 2008
Executive Summary: Why NATO Must Win in Afghanistan: A Central Front in the War on Terrorism
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2148)
Executive Summary: NATO members cannot afford to underestimate the threat that al-Qaeda continues to pose to the West and its values of freedom, liberty, human rights, equality, and democracy. The war in Afghanistan is not yet won, and gains remain under threat so long as the region remains susceptible to al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgencies. Now is the time for the NATO Alliance to defeat the scourge of al-Qaeda.
April 04, 2008
NATO Backs Washington’s Missile Defense Plans: A Victory for U.S. Diplomacy
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1884)
NATO's endorsement stands as testimony to the Alliance's strategic relevance in the 21st century and its enduring commitment to the principle of mutual defense.
March 26, 2008
The Bucharest Summit: Time to Revitalize the NATO Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2119)
Washington has a small window of opportunity to mold NATO into a modern, effective alliance that advances the interests of the United States and other members. The U.S. will always retain the option of unilateral intervention to defend its strategic interests, but effective partnering with NATO is a sensible and realistic way to formulate burden-sharing arrangements with its European allies.
March 26, 2008
Executive Summary: The Bucharest Summit: Time to Revitalize the NATO Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2119)
Executive Summary: Washington has a small window of opportunity to mold NATO into a modern, effective alliance that advances the interests of the United States and other members. The U.S. will always retain the option of unilateral intervention to defend its strategic interests, but effective partnering with NATO is a sensible and realistic way to formulate burden-sharing arrangements with its European allies.
March 24, 2008
The Bucharest NATO Summit: Washington and London Must Not Give in to French Demands
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1863)
Paris should only be welcomed back into NATO’s leadership club on terms that are acceptable to all members. That means rejecting its proposal to build up a separate E.U. defense structure.
March 07, 2008
The EU Lisbon Treaty: Gordon Brown Surrenders Britain's Sovereignty
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1840)
Prime Minister Gordon Brown's decision to reject a referendum on the new European Union Reform Treaty should be viewed as one of the biggest acts of political betrayal in modern British history.
February 20, 2008
The EU Reform Treaty: A Threat to the Transatlantic Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2109)
The European Union Reform Treaty contains the building blocks of a United States of Europe, supranationalizes critical areas of policymaking, and underscores the EU's ambitions to become a global power and challenge American leadership. In political, diplomatic, and financial terms, no benefit can come from a deeper EU absorption that limits Britain's time-tested relationship with the United States.
February 20, 2008
Executive Summary: The EU Reform Treaty: A Threat to the Transatlantic Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2109)
Executive Summary: The European Union Reform Treaty contains the building blocks of a United States of Europe, supranationalizes critical areas of policymaking, and underscores the EU's ambitions to become a global power and challenge American leadership. In political, diplomatic, and financial terms, no benefit can come from a deeper EU absorption that limits Britain's time-tested relationship with the United States.
February 15, 2008
The West Must Back Full Independence for Kosovo
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1818)
Whether Belgrade and Moscow like it or not, Kosovo will shortly become independent.
February 13, 2008
Visa Policy and Transportation Security: Ensuring the Right Balance
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1813)
Extending visa-free travel privileges to countries that are partners in the war on terrorism will promote public diplomacy, economic growth, and international alliance-building.
February 08, 2008
International Missile Defense: Washington and Warsaw's Postive Step Toward Final Agreement
By Sally McNamara and Peter Brookes
(WebMemo #1803)
A comprehensive missile defense system would offer protection to America, its forward deployed troops, and its allies.
February 06, 2008
The EU's Climate Change Package: Not a Model to Be Copied
By Sally McNamara and Ben Lieberman
(WebMemo #1800)
The United States should follow a pro-market approach that avoids mandatory targets and focuses on technological development.
January 30, 2008
The EU Reform Treaty: Why Washington Should Be Concerned
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1789)
If there were ever a time for the White House to be concerned about further European integration, then this is it.
2007 Research
December 05, 2007
Europe: No Economic Juggernaut
By Daniella Markheim and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1720)
Europe must suppress its socialist inclinations and embrace open markets if it hopes to be competitive with the United States.
November 06, 2007
Missile Defense: Debunking Arguments Against the Third Site in Eastern Europe
By Sally McNamara, Baker Spring, and Peter Brookes
(WebMemo #1694)
Policymakers must show the resolve and leadership necessary to move forward with a system that is critical to the national security of the United States and its friends and allies in Europe.
October 22, 2007
Britain Must Reject the New EU Reform Treaty
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1672)
The British Government must listen to the growing calls in Britain for a referendum on the treaty.
October 12, 2007
The Polish Elections: Implications for the Washington-Warsaw Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1662)
The composition of Warsaw's next government will carry implifications for missile defense and the War on Terrorism.
October 03, 2007
Executive Summary: How Europe and America Should Confront Islamic Extremism
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2073)
Executive Summary: A united transatlantic commitment to what is currently an indeterminable timetable for victory is essential if Europe and America are to confront the domestic and global network of extremists intent on annihilating the West and its allies, but the EU is not a replacement for the valuable relationships and bilateral alliances that the United States has carefully crafted over decades.
October 02, 2007
How Europe and America Should Confront Islamic Extremism
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2073)
A united transatlantic commitment to what is currently an indeterminable timetable for victory is essential if Europe and America are to confront the domestic and global network of extremists intent on annihilating the West and its allies, but the EU is not a replacement for the valuable relationships and bilateral alliances that the United States has carefully crafted over decades.
August 23, 2007
Is Europe Doomed to Continued Economic Stagnation?
By Sally McNamara
(Heritage Lecture #1040)
As the European Union’s largest trading partner, with a bilateral trade and investment relationship valued at almost $3 billion dollars per day, America has enormous interests in Europe’s economies. Public confidence in the EU is low, with low levels of support among British businesses for the direction proposed in the European Constitution.
July 18, 2007
The European Security and Defense Policy: A Challenge to the Transatlantic Security Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2053)
The militarization of the European Union through the European Security and Defense Policy embodies the worst elements of European animosity toward the United States and would fundamentally undermine the NATO alliance and the Anglo-American Special Relationship. NATO must remain the cornerstone of the transatlantic security alliance in addressing the 21st century's most pressing security challenges.
July 13, 2007
International Missile Defense: Ensuring America's Safety and Its Global Alliances
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1553)
An amendment to pull funding for proposed missile defense installations in Poland and the Czech Republic would damage the transatlantic security alliance.
July 06, 2007
The New EU Reform Treaty: A Threat to the Special Relationship
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1536)
The EU's new Reform Treaty closely resembles the failed EU constitution and carries the same risks to nation-state sovereignty and U.S. interests.
June 15, 2007
Enduring Alliances Empower America's Long-War Strategy
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2042)
Enduring alliances should be the centerpiece of America's long-war strategy, but they will require a concerted U.S. effort to facilitate secure travel and interchange between America and its friends and allies, a shared common vision that enhances public diplomacy so that America can better make its case on the world stage, and creating new opportunities for security cooperation.
June 05, 2007
The 2007 G-8 Summit: President Bush Must Project Strong U.S. Leadership in Europe
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1485)
Russian bellicosity and global climate change will dominate the political agenda of President Bush's eight-day visit to Europe.
June 01, 2007
The G-8 Summit: President Bush Must Stand Firm on Global Warming
By Sally McNamara and Ben Lieberman
(WebMemo #1481)
The Administration should actively reject entreaties from fellow G-8 nations to agree to growth-sapping controls on energy use and instead continue its successful model in favor of economic development.
May 11, 2007
International Missile Defense Challenges for Europe
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1453)
"Third site" installations allow America to extend its own security umbrella and protect its European allies at the same time.
May 08, 2007
Sarkozy's Victory and the Future of U.S.–French Relations
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1446)
Does Sarkozy have the drive, determination, and leadership to transform the U.S.–French relationship?
April 18, 2007
The United States Should Welcome a New Era for Kosovo
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1427)
A new plan for Kosovo's independence promises to pave the way for the establishment of a fully democratic, and ultimately stable and prosperous, nation-state.
February 27, 2007
The Polish–American Relationship: Deepening and Strengthening the Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2010)
Washington and Warsaw must resist attempts to divide, marginalize, or undermine the NATO alliance, especially EU plans for a European Army. In addition, Congress should include Poland in current plans to reform the Visa Waiver Program, and Poland and the United States should continue to explore all options on ballistic missile defense.
February 27, 2007
Executive Summary: The Polish–American Relationship: Deepening and Strengthening the Alliance
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2010)
Executive Summary: Washington and Warsaw must resist attempts to divide, marginalize, or undermine the NATO alliance, especially EU plans for a European Army. In addition, Congress should include Poland in current plans to reform the Visa Waiver Program, and Poland and the United States should continue to explore all options on ballistic missile defense.
February 23, 2007
Ségolène Royal and the Future of Franco–American Relations
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1368)
As a committed Socialist and darling of the Left, Royal would steer a status quo course for French politics that would continue the disintegration of the Franco–American relationship.
2006 Research
December 14, 2006
The EU Constitution: Will Europe Force a Way Forward?
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #1991)
The draft EU constitution represents a fundamental threat to U.S. strategic, diplomatic, judicial, and military interests, enshrining modish and ephemeral values as supreme law for 25 separate nation-states with the intention of globalizing its elite-driven policies. The U.S. should respond to that threat by applying appropriate diplomatic pressure to ensure that U.S. interests are upheld within the transatlantic alliance.
October 31, 2006
Regime Change in Paris: How Nicolas Sarkozy Could Reinvigorate U.S.-French Relations
By Sally McNamara
(WebMemo #1241)
Sarkozy's popularity and leading status bode well for U.S. interests, but don't expect a rapid sea change in French foreign policy if he is elected.
2009 Commentary
April 06, 2009
Five Things Obama Must Do at the NATO Summit
By Sally McNamara
When President Obama celebrates NATO's 60th birthday in Strasbourg and Kehl, he should raise a toast to the transatlantic security alliance, which has helped keep the peace in Europe since the end of the Second World War.
2008 Commentary
April 01, 2008
Deficient Proposal
By Nile Gardiner and Sally McNamara
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to unveil a series of proposals for rejoining NATO’s integrated military command structure at the Bucharest Summit on April 2-4.
2007 Commentary
November 09, 2007
Britain: A Hornet's Nest of Islamic Extremism
By Nile Gardiner and Sally McNamara
The news from London this week has been pretty grim. Jonathan Evans, the new Director-General of Britain’s domestic intelligence service has unveiled some spectacularly unnerving statistics. In a major speech in Manchester on November 5, he revealed that MI-5 had identified over 2,000 al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist suspects on UK soil, 400 more than previous estimates. In addition, he estimated there were probably another 2,000 unidentified individuals who also posed a terror threat, making a total of 4,000 al-Qaeda linked operatives based in the United Kingdom.
October 20, 2007
Brave New Europe
By Nile Gardiner and Sally McNamara
Imagine if the citizens of the United States were handed a new Pan-American "constitution" or "treaty" drawn up in Buenos Aires, and crafted by unelected foreign officials behind closed doors. The several hundred page document, the centerpiece of a grand political union of the Americas, would pave the way for the creation of a Pan-American foreign minister, a permanent Pan-American president, and a Pan-American diplomatic service.
July 06, 2007
Wrong Way Warsi
By Nile Gardiner
The appointment by the Conservative party of Sayeeda Warsi as shadow minister for Community Cohesion sends the wrong signal at a time when Britain is fighting a global war against Islamic terrorism and extremism, both domestically and internationally.
June 06, 2007
Warming: U.S. can't fall for cap-and-trade risks
By Sally McNamara and Ben Lieberman
At the forthcoming Group of Eight summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, America will face intense pressure to agree to a post-Kyoto deal on climate change that includes far-reaching mandatory targets to cut carbon emissions.
November 23, 2009
Twitter
Facebook
RSS Feeds