What is NATO, why does it still exist, and how does it work? [2020 version]

Summary

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established post-WWII to maintain peace in Europe and ensure member cooperation and freedom against Soviet threats. Founded in 1949 with 12 members, it now has 30, promoting collective defense and dialogue. Adapting to new security challenges, NATO has expanded its role to include international crisis management, combating terrorism, and addressing global threats like cyber-attacks and migration. It operates on consensus, with member states contributing to shared defense and operational costs.

Takeaways

• 🏰 **Founded Post-WWII**: NATO was established to maintain peace in Europe and counter Soviet threats.
• 🤝 **Collective Defense**: The treaty commits members to mutual defense, with an attack on one considered an attack on all.
• 🗽 **Democratic Principles**: Members are committed to democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.
• 🌐 **Global Cooperation**: NATO promotes dialogue and cooperation across the Atlantic.
• 📈 **Membership Growth**: From 12 members in 1949, NATO has expanded to 30 members, embracing shared values and contributions to security.
• 🔄 **Adapting to Change**: Despite the end of the Cold War, NATO has continued to evolve, taking on new tasks and adapting to new security challenges.
• 🌎 **Expanded Partnerships**: NATO has developed relations with non-member countries, including former adversaries, to promote security.
• 🛡️ **Crisis Management**: Post-Cold War, NATO has played a key role in international crisis management, such as in the Balkans and Afghanistan.
• 🚨 **Contemporary Threats**: NATO faces a broader range of threats including assertive Russia, instability in the Middle East and Africa, and non-traditional security challenges.
• 🔄 **Reinforcing Defense**: NATO is enhancing its deterrence and defense in response to current security challenges.
• 🤝 **Collaborative Security**: NATO works with a network of partners to tackle global security issues that no single country can handle alone.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the North Atlantic Alliance when it was founded?

The primary purpose of the North Atlantic Alliance, founded in the aftermath of the Second World War, was to secure peace in Europe, promote cooperation among its members, and guard their freedom, all in the context of countering the threat posed by the Soviet Union.

In what year was the founding treaty of NATO signed?

The founding treaty of NATO was signed in Washington in 1949.

How many countries signed the NATO treaty at its inception?

A dozen European and North American countries signed the NATO treaty at its inception.

What does the NATO treaty commit its member countries to?

The NATO treaty commits its member countries to democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

What does the concept of collective defense mean within NATO?

Collective defense within NATO means that an attack against one Ally is considered as an attack against all Allies.

How has NATO evolved since the end of the Cold War?

Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has shifted its focus and taken on new tasks. It has responded to changes in the security environment by promoting security through partnership and cooperation, developing relations with non-member countries, and taking on an important role in international crisis management.

How many members does NATO have today?

Today, NATO has 30 members.

What are the criteria for a country to become a member of NATO?

A prospective member country must share NATO's core values and have the capacity and willingness to contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

What is one of NATO's fundamental tasks today?

One of NATO's fundamental tasks today is working with non-member countries and other organizations to ensure collective defense and security.

How does NATO contribute to international crisis management?

NATO contributes to international crisis management by working closely with partner countries, deploying forces to areas of conflict, leading air campaigns, and cooperating to prevent piracy and terrorism.

What are some of the current security challenges that NATO is addressing?

NATO is addressing a range of current security challenges including Russia's assertiveness and military build-up near its borders, the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and Africa, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, cyber attacks, threats to energy supplies, and environmental challenges with security implications.

How does the decision-making process work within NATO?

Decisions within NATO are taken by consensus in the North Atlantic Council, expressing the collective will of all the nations.

How does NATO finance its operations and headquarters?

Each member contributes a small percentage of its national defense budget to NATO, which pays for running the political and operational headquarters in Belgium, the integrated military command structure across NATO territory, and some of the costs of shared military capabilities, systems, and facilities.