The author's main argument is how Eisenhower transformed NATO from an illegitimate entity into one of the leading military defense pacts between 12 nations. During the initial formation of NATO, the governmental and public opinions about NATO were largely negative. However, following the appointment of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the views about NATO changed significantly. The author has also explained how the Soviet Union planned to spread its communist sentiments across Europe. However, NATO fought back and stopped the spread of communism. Moreover, the author explains how the formation of the United Nations on 26 June 1945 to ensure that all future disputes became solved. The author goes ahead and explains that through Eisenhower in his role as the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), NATO was changed for an illegitimate military force to a legitimate one that all Europeans and Americas supported.
According to the article, its main focus is on the military, an indication the one who wrote it should have some military background. Alexander M Bielakowski has published a considerable number of articles about the military. Bielakowski is a former US Army Reserve. This is an indication that he is an expert in the field. He has also taken up other roles, such as a coach and mentor at the General Staff College and US Army Command. Additionally, his current role is an Editor-in-Chief of the US Military History Review peer-reviewed journal. The information in the scholarly work is thus credible as it has been written by an author who is an knowledgeable about the topic.
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Additionally, from the article one can see there are a considerable number of references throughout the work. The aim of using the references is to ensure that as a reader, I am is convinced of the credibility and validity of the argument brought forwards. A scholarly work that lacks evidence cannot persuade the readers to accept the claims highlighted. Moreover, I can see that there are different forms of evidence ranging from direct quotations to summaries. Likewise, it is evident that special care when integrating quotation evidence in his work. I can also see there is a discussion of the quoted material afterward. Moreover, there is a vast use of data which the author aims at showcasing his arguments. The use of evidence by the author is also solid. This is because it is smoothly integrated into the work as there is a link between the evidence and claim. There is also enough support made to support the claims as evidenced in the article.
From the article, it is evident that the analysis and claims are directly linked to the thesis statement and article title. At the beginning of the first paragraph, one can quickly identify that NATO had faced severe setbacks as the first paragraph ends with a thesis statement stating how Eisenhower changed NATO into a legitimate military force. As one reads through the scholarly work, one can quickly identify the various challenges NATO faced, such as criticism from the public and even Presidents such as Truman (Bielakowski, 2004). One can also identify how communism was affecting the word, and Eisenhower believed it was the USA’s duty to stop its spread through strengthening NATO. However, Eisenhower was able to change the negative perfections about NATO by visiting the various allied countries (Bielakowski, 2004). I can confidently conclude that the author has keenly and correctly laid down his arguments in order.
Likewise, the I can see there is chronological order used in highlighting the evidence from the article. The work begins in 1949, following the establishment of NATO by 12 nations from North America and Europe (Bielakowski, 2004). The events leading to NATO's formulation, its role in eliminating the communist regimes, and its acceptance in order have perfectly been arranged. This makes it very easy for readers to follow what happened. Moreover, chronological order is the best means through which the author can show the cause and effect relationship. In case the information had not organized in a chronological order, it would have been tough to see the significance of Eisenhower in turning NATO into a legitimate military force (Bielakowski, 2014).
Similarly, the information contained in scholarly work is contextual. The information will help a reader in gaining context to what the author is trying to bring forward. As you read through the work, one can put together the information and to get a broader picture of the author's main argument
A major limitation of the scholarly work is that it is directed towards a particular audience; in this case, researchers, scholars, or experts in the field. Unlike popular magazines that are directed towards general readers, scholarly work is not. The information contained in the article cannot help a general reader as the information might appear irrelevant.
Additionally, the article lacks illustrations. Illustrations aim at adding visual appeal and understanding the text much better. Moreover, they can help readers comprehend ideas that are difficult to explain using only written text. Some illustrations that the author might have used include photographs, charts, graphs, or maps.
According to the article Bielakowski (2004), it aims at highlighting how Eisenhower changed NATO into a leading military force. One can see that there is an effective use of evidence. There is also a use of quotations in the work. Moreover, there is a chronological order of events used by Bielakowski (2004). One can also see a thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph, and one can identify the main arguments in the first paragraph. However, there is no use of illustrations, and the scholarly work targets the researchers, scholars, or experts and not the general audience.
References
Bielakowski, A. M. (2004). Eisenhower: The First NATO SACEUR. War & Society , 22 (2), 95-108.
