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NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was founded in 1949, primarily as a military alliance to counter the potential Soviet threat to Western Europe.
The situation has clearly changed a great deal since the end of the Cold War but the Alliance remains vital to our security.
What is the purpose of NATO?
NATO’s core purpose is still to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. However, it has expanded its focus to tackle a range of threats including terrorism, failed states and WMD (weapons of mass destruction). It also contributes to worldwide peace and security through partnerships with non-NATO countries and crisis management operations.
NATO objectives
- Provide the foundation for stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, based on the growth of democratic institutions and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
- Provide a forum for the US, Canada and Europe to consult on security issues and to take joint action to address them.
- Defend its members against threats and aggression.
- Contribute to effective prevention of conflict and crisis management.
- Promote partnership and co-operation with other countries, with the aim of increasing transparency, confidence and scope for joint action.
Towards a new strategic concept
At the NATO Summit in 2009, Allies agreed the Declaration on Alliance Security (DAS) which highlights the key aims of the Alliance. In August 2009, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO Secretary General, launched the consultation process that will lead to a new Strategic Concept. This important document will build on the DAS and set out the future direction and priorities for NATO. The aim is to make this process open and transparent; consulting widely inside the Alliance and beyond. The Rt. Hon. Geoff Hoon MP is the one of twelve men and women selected by the NATO Secretary General to provide independent expert advice on the content.
The UK believes that the new Strategic Concept should make it clear to NATO's members that their security depends on NATO having the tools and capabilities required to tackle existing and evolving threats. Forging and maintaining strong ties with partners and other organisations is an important part of this. The UK is also keen to promote the importance of continued reform within the Alliance itself.
Enlargement
NATO has an open door policy on enlargement.
Any European country in a position to further the principles of the Alliance and contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area can become a member.
In April 2009 Croatia and Albania were welcomed as the newest members of NATO, bringing the total number in the Alliance to 28. At the Bucharest Summit in 2008 the Alliance made clear that an invitation to join would be extended to Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as soon as a mutually acceptable resolution to the name dispute was found. At the same time Allies made a unique decision that Georgia and Ukraine would become members when the necessary standards had been reached.
Article 5 of the Washington Treaty
NATO is primarily a defensive military organisation. At the heart of this lies Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. This is the famous article that means an attack against one member is considered an attack against all.
NATO does not have its own army, navy or air force. All Allies are expected to be willing and able to contribute to NATO Operations. NATO has only evoked Article 5 once during its 60 year history, and that was in the immediate aftermath of the tragic events of 11 September 2001.
NATO operations
NATO has operations in a number of different territories. Find out more.
NATO and the UK
Find out more about the UK's relationship with NATO