| Summary: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited === The Czech Republic, slated to be a future member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1999, will likely occupy a weak position within NATO's decision-making process. The country's historical experience, its geo- strategic situation, and certain economic factors have led Czech policy makers to the strategic decision to join NATO. The Czech Republic's security and defense policy, together with its strategic political culture will influence the country's future role in NATO. However, because it is a small state and because of other inherent structural factors, the Czech Republic will probably fail to occupy a position in NATO comparable with other small powers. This contrasts directly with the case of the Netherlands, a small state in the Alliance which has managed to become a reliable member and occupy an influential position. Although both countries had similar motives for joining or having joined NATO, certain aspects of the Czech Republic's policies and strategic political culture do not correspond with those of the Dutch
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