An Analysis On The Eastward Expansion Of NATO And Its Impact

The present-day world is at a vital turning point, the old structure has come to an end while a new one has not yet to take shape, it is not clear that which direction the world is moving in. The tense face-off of the two major military blocs in Europe which lasted for nearly half a century is no longer in place, but, factors threatening world peace and causing international tension have not been removed completely. The United States tries its best to push the eastward expansion of NATO in an attempt to maintain its hegemonic position and the unilateralization of the pattern of international relations. This is a major issue in the world politics after the Cold War and will produce a significant impact on international relations.In 1994, NATO officially announced its plan for eastward expansion. In 1999, NATO completed the first round of eastward expansion. In November 2002 at the Prague Summit, the plan for a new round of eastward expansions will finalize. This move by NATO is aimed primarily at containing Russia and setting up a pattern of European security with NATO at the core. As a result of the further transformation of the Russia society, Russia has continuously adjusted its policies toward NATO and even does not rule out the possibility of becoming a member thereof.While describing the process of NATO's eastward expansion, this article focuses on analyzing the motives behind such a move and its impacts on the pattern of European security, international relations and international systems and, on this basis, looks at the consequent changes in China's international security scenario that result therefrom.