NATO ENLARGEMENT

After surveying the history of the enlargement issue since President Y eltsin gave what was mistakenly perceived as a ''green signal'' during his visit to Poland i 1993, the article looks into different modaliti es of NATO enlargement and, finally, presents a list of arguments con and pro, of which some relate to the situation in Eastern Europe and o thers to the future of NATO itself. In conclusion, it is pointed out t hat although NATO has been gradually moving towards a decision to enla rge, the final decision may be harder to make as time goes by because Russian opposition, rather than receding, may become more entrenched a nd gain more weight. To NATO that would increase the political costs o f enlarging. However, a retreat may become more painful, too.