"I think before 1997 is over, NATO will have taken giant strides in what's called adaptation, the discussions about bringing the French fully into the NATO forces"

This quote by Warren Christopher recommends that NATO will make considerable progress in 1997 in regards to adapting to the altering geopolitical landscape. Christopher is describing the French, who had actually been excluded from NATO forces given that 1966. He believes that by the end of 1997, the French will be totally incorporated into NATO forces. This would be a significant step forward for NATO, as it would expand the alliance's abilities and reinforce its existence in Europe. Christopher's forecast was accurate, as the French rejoined NATO in April of that year. This was a major turning point for the alliance, as it allowed for higher cooperation and partnership in between the member states. The combination of the French into NATO forces was a significant step forward for the alliance, and it has actually allowed for greater stability and security in Europe.