NATO

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Predecessor

Treaty of Dunkirk 1947

• France & UK

• Establishing a post war Wester European security arrangement

When was NATO founded

1947 - North Atlantic Treaty

Who were the founding members?

• US

• UK

• Canada

• Benelux Countries

• France

• Iceland

• Denmark

• Norway

• Portugal Italy

What did the Secretary General say the aim was?

• Americans in

• Russians out

• Germans down

What did President Eisenhower say?

If NATO is still needed in 10 years it will have failed its mission

Name the 4 key components of the NATO Treaty

1. Community of values

2. Capacities

3. Mutual assistance

4. Collective defence

What does the preamble outline

• Parties of the Treaty reaffirms their faith in:

  • the purposes & principles of the UN Charter

  • their desire to live in peace will all people & all governments

What are NATO members determined to do?

• Safeguard the freedom, common heritage & civilisations of their people

• On the principles of democracy, individual liberty & the rule of law

What does Article 3 discuss?

• Mutual Assistance

• The parties by self help & aid will maintain & develop their individual & collective capacity to resist armed attack

What does article 3 enforce

• Members are expected to contribute

Does NATO have a collective armed force?

No

• Instead collective capabilities 

  • Airborne warning & control systems

  • NATO Response Force (12 month commitment)

What does Article 4 discuss 

Mutual Assistance 

• Parties will consult whenever the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any Party is threatened

When has article 4 been envoked

Twice in September 2025 (Poland & Estonia due to Russia)

What does article 5 discuss?

• Collective defence

  • armed attack against one is an attack against them all

  • rights of individual or collective self-defence

  • action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force

What are the obligations outlined in Article 5?

• Obligation to report to UNSC

• Terminated if UNSC ‘has taken necessary measures’

Has article 5 been envoked?

Once

• After terrorist attacks on US 11 Sept 2001

How is NATO funded

Common & joint funding

What is common funding?

Assessed contributions (0.3% of total Allied defence spendings)

What is joint fundings?

Voluntary contributions to concrete projects

What is the Direct Funding used for

NATO military missions

(Afghanistan, Libya) 

What is the Burdensharing debate?

That countries should invest 2% of their defence budget into NATO

= most haven’t met it

How does Russia view NATO Membership enlargement

As a threat

How have NATO tried to have friendly relationships?

Through the NATO Partnership for Peace with former Warsaw Pact countries & Russia

What was done in 2002 to foster NATO & Russia’s relationship?

NATO-Russia Council 

= Russia has the same power as NATO members (although its just a forum for consultation)

= Suspended between 2014-16 & since 2022

What has been activated for the first time in response to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine?

NATO’s Response Force’s “high readiness” elements