NATO: A Brief Overview of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(CNN) — NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a non-aggressive European and North American defense alliance created to promote peace and stability, and safeguard the security of its members.
Established in Brussels, Belgium, during the height of the Cold War, NATO was formed to protect Western Europe from the threat posed by the Soviet Union and to counter the spread of communism after World War II. In April 1949, the organization’s 12 founders, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several European nations, signed the North Atlantic Treaty, pledging mutual protection through political and military means.
Over the years, NATO has grown to include 31 members, with countries such as Albania, Germany, Poland, and Turkey joining the alliance. Despite the end of the Cold War, tensions still exist between NATO and Russia, with Russia viewing NATO as a threat to its security.
Recent developments in 2022 and 2023 have further escalated tensions, particularly with the declaration of support for NATO by the Presidents of Finland and Sweden. Finland’s official entry into the alliance in April 2023, along with Sweden’s approval in July of that year, has only added to the strain between NATO and Russia.
NATO’s core principle of collective defense ensures that an attack against one member is treated as an attack against all, with the full resources of the alliance available for protection. While NATO doesn’t have its own army, member countries contribute their forces to bolster the collective strength. However, disparities in defense spending among members have been a point of contention, with only a few countries meeting the 2% of GDP guideline set by NATO.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, NATO’s mission has adapted to address new challenges, such as cyber threats and humanitarian crises. The alliance’s commitment to peace and security remains steadfast, with member nations working together to uphold the values of mutual protection and cooperation.
This report, originally published in July 2023, serves as a comprehensive overview of NATO and its evolving role in global security. Contributions by CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen and Nadine Schmidt have been instrumental in providing insight into the organization’s history and current operations.