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What is NATO?

Garry Crystal
Garry Crystal

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in Washington on 4 April 1949. Made up of nations from North America and Europe, 12 independent countries originally signed the North Atlantic Treaty. The treaty's purpose was to commit each signatory country to the peace and security of all other members. A total of 28 countries are now members.

Since the Cold War ended, the structure of the treaty has been redesigned. The emphasis is now maintaining peace through the treaty's political and military guidelines. Other countries who are not members of NATO also cooperate, although sometimes unsuccessfully, with treaty guidelines. Apart from peacekeeping between countries and deterring war, NATO also acts in the area of crisis management. NATO has guidelines set out in order to prevent conflict between countries and to help resolve any crisis.

Canada is a member of NATO.
Canada is a member of NATO.

Examples of the treaty in action include the reversal of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. When hundreds of thousands of Kosovan people fled their country in 1999 due to repression by the government, they were left homeless. NATO helped the refugees return safely to their homeland. NATO also assisted in rebuilding homes and lives in Kosovo. They were also instrumental in developing a democratic society in which the refugees should be able to live in peace.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in Washington, DC on April 4,1949.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in Washington, DC on April 4,1949.

Russian relations are also a top issue for NATO. The establishment and maintenance of peaceful relations with the Ukraine and throughout Central and Eastern Europe are a high priority. The Alliance, as the group of members is known, has been achieving these peace-keeping goals for over 50 years.

Since World War II, the treaty has been the only security organization to combine the United Stated and Canada with Europe. After the war ended, Europe was able to rebuild itself thanks to the written agreement by NATO. The treaty ensures that any threat of war to Europe is also seen as a threat to the United States.

The NATO treaty ensured that each country would reciprocate these understandings. Political solidarity was thus obtained by all members of NATO. Each country promised to take a share in the others' security.

The entire strategic nuclear arsenal of the United Kingdom, which is a member of NATO, is carried aboard ballistic missile submarines.
The entire strategic nuclear arsenal of the United Kingdom, which is a member of NATO, is carried aboard ballistic missile submarines.

In the years since the treaty was signed, other initiatives have been formed as a result of NATO. In 1991, the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC) was formed, and in 1994, the Partnership for Peace (PFP) took place. In 1997, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) built new structures of alliance and agreement between other countries.

Discussion Comments

anon249446

Was there any particular person who thought of forming NATO?

anon150718

Is it just North America? Or is South America there too?

anon110762

Your articles helped me in passing my exams. thanks a lot.

Raine28

have any been added since?

anon30505

Is the Iron Curtain the same thing as the Berlin Wall?

anon12282

I love how all of your articles are so straightforward & simple! Thanks!

anon1534

Currently, NATO member countries are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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    • Canada is a member of NATO.
      By: Anna
      Canada is a member of NATO.
    • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in Washington, DC on April 4,1949.
      By: Sylvana Rega
      The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in Washington, DC on April 4,1949.
    • The entire strategic nuclear arsenal of the United Kingdom, which is a member of NATO, is carried aboard ballistic missile submarines.
      The entire strategic nuclear arsenal of the United Kingdom, which is a member of NATO, is carried aboard ballistic missile submarines.