International alliances form relationships among countries for defense, trade in goods and ideas, and even to solve global problems such as climate change. They can be formal, sealed with a treaty or more temporary. Throughout history, states have tried to balance their power by creating alliances with other nations in order to avoid a single power monopolizing the world’s resources and influence. For example, Napoleon’s repeated attempts to dominate continental Europe were thwarted by the series of alliances formed against him.
After World War II, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed for mutual defense against the Soviet Union. NATO’s guiding philosophy was “Massive Retaliation,” under which all members agreed to immediately use nuclear weapons to respond to any attack. This doctrine was intended to deter any aggression, and it proved effective.
In the years following the Cold War, allies began to expand their cooperation beyond militarized missions and into nonmilitary issues such as countering terrorism and countering the spread of nuclear weapons. However, the Alliance faced serious challenges in its new era. For instance, the former Yugoslavia was in a state of conflict and ethnic cleansing that prompted Allies to intervene militarily.
In the 21st century, NATO continues to play an important role as a collective security alliance while facing many challenges, including the threat of Russian aggression in eastern Europe and the rising tide of humanitarian suffering around the globe. Despite these new challenges, the Alliance has expanded its membership and launched faraway missions to prevent human suffering. This week’s Current Event examines the legacy of NATO and its future in a globalized world.
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