NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) celebrated its 75th foundation day on April 4, 2024. It was founded on April 4, 1949, in Washington, by 12 founding members from Europe and North America.
About NATO
- It is an intergovernmental military alliance founded with the objective of providing collective defence to members against any aggression.
- In the initial years, NATO was primarily working to protect its members against possible aggression by the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Later, its objectives evolved and included a range of security challenges, including crisis management, the prevention of conflict, and collective security actions.
- NATO today has 32 members and is continuously expanding.
- Sweden is the newest member of NATO.
- NATO Headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium.
Concerns associated with NATO
- NATO was founded with the objective of ensuring ‘defence’, but over the decades of its functioning, its operations have showcased its ‘offensive’ character. For instance, it has participated in over 200 military operations till today, raising concerns for the world.
- These operations include the attack on Iran, the bombing of Yugoslavia, and dubious missions in Afghanistan, which have changed perceptions regarding NATO.
- The members are blamed for using NATO to establish their dominance over the world.
- Moreover, its consistent pursuit of new partners also creates doubts about its missions and objectives.
