Portugal and NATO: 1949-1989

Abstract

The subject of Portugal's relationship to NATO has often been given partial treatment, whether from the political and diplomatic point of view, or from the strategic and military point of view. Basically these have been contemporary and conjunctural approximations, characterised by the analysis of that moment and by praxeological questions. By contrast, here there is a long-term analysis, a global perspective, and an approach that is linear and with a longer perspective, taking in almost half a century. Firstly, the foundation of the Alliance and Portugal's position as a founder member are covered. Secondly, the study looks at the evolution of relationships between Portugal and the Alliance, in the period from the Estado Novo to the transition to democracy and consolidation of the democratic regime. These relationships are studied both from the diplomatic point of view and from the point of view of military commitments.