A review of the full range of recent official and non-official schemes for improving NATO's conventional posture, from exploitation of emerging technologies to non-provocative defences, in the light of prevailing military, political, economic and demographic factors which will determine which programmes can be pursued. The study attempts to provide a framework for assessing which options should be pursued in the light of various possible strategic objectives for the non-nuclear component of Western deterrence. Considerable attention is given to the potential of expanded European co-operation in defence planning and armaments strengthening of political underpinnings of the second pillar of the Alliance. The book concludes with an assessment of which strategic concept for conventional defence is both militarily most desirable and politically sustainable. S.Flannagan is also author of "Securing Europe's Future".