NATO Evolution: Principles and Mission Since 1949

NATO was created in 1949 during the Cold War as a military alliance of countries from Europe and North America. It is currently the most highly organized security organization with 28 member countries, and its purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. After 1991, the main goal became to create democracies and a community of values by contributing to overall Euro-Atlantic security.

Political and Military Dimensions

On a political dimension, NATO promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and cooperation on defense and security issues. On the military level, if diplomatic efforts fail, the organization has the military capacity to undertake crisis-management operations.

Article 5: The Principle of Collective Defense

Article 5 of the founding Treaty is the principle of collective defense; thus, an attack on one is an attack on all. Article 5 has only been invoked once, in response to the US 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Article 10 and NATO Enlargement

Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty focuses on the enlargement of NATO. Membership is open to any other European states in a position to further the principles and values of the alliance. The Membership Action Plan offers aspiring members practical advice and targeted assistance, though they are expected to meet certain criteria and regulations.

Global Operations and Humanitarian Aid

NATO has 18,000 military personnel engaged in missions around the world, active in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and the Mediterranean. Their operations also include:

• Assistance to the EU for the refugee crisis
• Disaster relief operations
• Missions to protect against natural, technological, and humanitarian disasters

The 2010 Strategic Concept

The 2010 Strategic Concept was established to illustrate NATO's role in a changing world so it would continue to be effective. It reconfirms core principles such as:

• Collective Defense
• Crisis Management
• Cooperative Security

21st Century Security Threats

The 21st century has seen a shift in the types of threats facing member states. These include:

• Proliferation of ballistic missiles and WMDs
• Terrorism and cyber attacks
• Attacks on communication and transport
• The use of laser weapons and electronic warfare

Member states face new security threats that are not fully stated in the 2010 Strategic Concept. For instance, US and European member countries are facing ongoing terrorism threats. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO returned its attention to Europe, and member countries confronted their decline in defense spending. There has also been an intensification of military exercises and a return to the security dilemma mentioned above.