NATO

Brandon Morgan 

Bladimir Magana 

International Organizations 

March 24, 2016 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

(NATO) 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also known as the North Atlantic Alliance, is perhaps one of the world’s most influential international institutions. NATO’s essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. NATO is an international military alliance that was started by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in April of 1949. NATO, simply put, is a system of collective defense. This basically means that its member states mutually agree to defend each other in response to any attack by any external party.  

Originally NATO's main objectives were to keep the former Soviet Union out of Europe, keep America as an ally, and to keep the German influence down. For over sixty years, NATO has been one of the most successful defensive alliances of all time. NATO prides itself in promoting democratic values, encouraging political communication, and cooperation on defensive and security issues that face its member states.  

The NATO military alliance consists of 28 member countries from Europe and North America. This alliance makes all of its decisions by consensus. Each member country, no matter how large or small, has equal opportunity in discussions and the decision making. Each member state is fully committed to individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These basic and fundamental values are at the heart of what NATO stands for. These values are what makes NATO's transatlantic bond so strong. 

Each member state of NATO has agreed that if any armed attack is committed against any other member, regardless of whether it is on European soil or North American soil, such attack would be considered an attack against them all collectively. Each member state also agreed that, if any armed attack occurred, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence, would assist the member being attacked, taking such action as it deemed necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. Consequently, the treaty does not require member states to always respond with military action against the aggressor in the conflict. Although each member state is obliged to respond, they have the right and freedom to choose the method by which they respond to the conflict. 

Although NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes it has the military capability (if diplomatic efforts fail) needed to resolve said conflicts. These military operations can and are carried out under Article V of the Washington Treaty (NATO's original treaty), or under a UN mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organizations. Article V has only been invoked once since the inception of NATO. This occurred with the terrorist attacks on 9/11 

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the world trade center NATO has expanded its role to include the war on terror. which was considered an attack on the US. Threats like terrorism, piracy, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and cyber warfare know no borders. That is why NATO has developed a global network of security partners that includes over 40 countries from around the globe, as well as international organizations including the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the African Union.  

As the face of international politics continue to change and evolve, NATO is open to any European state which can agree to contribute towards the values, security, and principles of the alliance. Although NATO can invite states to join, it is up to the country concerned to decide whether or not it wishes to seek membership. This open door process has contributed to furthering peace and security in Europe.  

Over the years, the alliance of NATO has become stronger and continues to strengthen ties among their members. NATO has also led the way to other growing interests throughout the world. NATO itself has provided a model for other world-wide collective security agreements. NATO's influence and activities are no longer confined to Europe. Since the early 90's, NATO has immensely increased its contact and influence with other countries. NATO has and continues to specifically help the UN by sending supplies and peacekeeping forces to aid in their worldwide operations. 

With the ever changing landscape of international politics NATO's influence and example continues to grow and flourish worldwide without failing to stand for peace and equality. Although NATO is an ever changing organization it is continually pushing for growth, unity, and positive change. These positive changes are occurring every day in the world of international politics and few are taking place without the aid and influence of NATO.  

NATO QUESTIONS 

1. What does NATO stand for? - North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

2. What is the main purpose for NATO? - It is a Defensive Alliance 

3. Name one of the original goals of NATO? - Keep Russia out of Europe, Keep the German influence minimal, Keep the US as an ally 

4. How many member states belong to NATO? - 28 

5. Which member state has the most authority? - None, they all decide after a consensus 

6. T or F NATO is a military alliance? - T 

7. What political values does NATO promote? - Democratic 

8. Since NATO's inception, when was the first and only time Article V was invoked? - 9/11 

9. Who can join NATO? - Any European country that will follow the values of NATO 

10. In what decade did NATO's influence begin to immensely impact the worldwide political scene? - 1990's