NATO in focus
Publisher: IP - Public Diplomacy
Volume: 50 pages, pdf
Description:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s fundamental purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. NATO brings together 28 member countries from Europe and North America, consulting and cooperating in the fields of security and defence. In this respect, NATO provides a unique transatlantic link for political and security cooperation.
Although much has changed since its founding in 1949, the Alliance remains an essential and unique source of stability in an unpredictable geopolitical environment. NATO members now confront a far broader spectrum of security challenges than in the past. Threats such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile technologies, cyber attacks and terrorism know no borders. NATO has also found itself called upon to help protect civilian populations from government repression.
In response, NATO is developing the necessary means to react quickly to the most demanding and complex crises. The Alliance is modernising its defence and deterrence capabilities, promoting a comprehensive approach to crisis management involving political, civilian and military instruments. NATO is also pursuing a cooperative approach to security through greater interaction with a wider range of partners, countries and international organizations.
While the nature of the threats faced by member states and the way in which NATO deals with them are changing, the basic tenets of solidarity, dialogue and cooperation remain true to the principles of the Washington Treaty. As a political and military alliance, NATO is also a community of shared interests and values. NATO countries are more secure and the Alliance more effective because they consult in a shared forum, hold the same principles, and act together.