High institutionalization distinguishes NATO from traditional alliances.

Evidence

We have here one key feature, then, that might explain why NATO is a deviant case for neorealism. One of the variable features of a regime is its institutionalization (the degree to which its norms and practices are formalized within a particular structure and process). This feature sets NATO apart from other alliances. NATO is at the heart of what has been called a “Euro-Atlantic security regime” built around an American extended deterrence commitment, forward defense in Europe, political coexistence with first the Soviet Union and then Russia, and large U.S. troop commitments, all guided by a closely coordinated policymaking framework. — Robert B. McCalla, NATO’s persistence after the cold war, 107

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines ‘institutionalization’ and distinguishes organizations from institutions — an analytic distinction the author insists on.
• XREF: connects to: NATO’s dense institutionalization beyond mutual defense is what made it survive its founding threat. — Robert B. McCalla, NATO’s persistence after the cold war, 107

Related

• NATO’s dense institutionalization beyond mutual defense is what made it survive its founding threat. (similarity 0.93)
• NATO’s institutionalization beyond mutual defense explains its persistence after its founding threat vanished. (similarity 0.93)
• NATO survived the cold war’s end due to institutionalization, not merely threats (similarity 0.91)
• NATO functions as a dense elite-network security regime, not merely a treaty. (similarity 0.90)
• Deeply institutionalized alliances outlast ad hoc ones against realist expectations (similarity 0.89)
• An institutionalist view holds alliances survive only while states value their benefits. (similarity 0.89)
• Theoretical frameworks beyond realism are needed to explain NATO’s survival. (similarity 0.89)
• NATO’s expanded ties to outside organizations fit institutionalist expectations better than organizational ones. (similarity 0.88)
• NATO’s survival hinges on member states continuing to benefit from it (similarity 0.86)
• NATO stayed cohesive despite neorealist predictions of its collapse (similarity 0.86)
• NATO positioned itself among rival security organizations to prove its continued relevance (similarity 0.85)
• NATO adapts tasks to persist, as organizational resources enable institutional survival. (similarity 0.85)
• Neither neorealism nor institutionalism explains domestic support, an unwarranted omission. (similarity 0.84)
• Mature institutions survive their founding purpose because members prefer sunk costs over new formation (similarity 0.84)
• Explaining alliance persistence requires nonrealist unit-level theory. (similarity 0.84)