The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established with the signature of the Washington Treaty back in April 4th, 1949. Based on the values of solidarity, cohesion and shared responsibilities and military capacities among member states, the alliance embodies the principle of collective defence. 

NATO is the most successful military alliance in history. In its foundation the alliance linked the security of the United States with that of its European allies and against the then Soviet Union. 

In the modern age NATO has sought to adapt its priorities in the fields of peace and security. With the beginning of the 20th century and the 9/11 attacks against the United States, the look of NATO’s interests turned over to the threat of transnational terrorism. The horrendous attack perpetrated forced the activation of Article 5 on collective defence of the Washington Treaty, for the first and only time.

At the time this is being written NATO is interested in its relations with Russia, a country that has seen part of its geopolitical preoccupation, partially lessened by the organization’s expansion towards the East. Which has consequently, been perceived by Russia as a strategic blockage to the Mediterranean, a persistent feeling since the adhesion of Greece and Turkey, setting a clear frontier in relation to the unified member states. 

To face future challenges, NATO needs stay true to its founding principles and keep bringing all its members in unison in a united front of democratic and free countries.