Anita Wu
Evaluate the reasons for the formation of NATO
and evaluate the impact of its policies up to 2000
During the Cold War, NATO – the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed. An
intergovernmental military alliance of various nations in Europe and the United States,
NATO consisted of two policies that would influence international relations from 19492000. With the Warsaw pact, the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty, the Rome Summit
and the Kosovo crisis all involving NATO interference/influence – one can critically
examine the impact of its policies of collective security and relaxing tensions between
the two superpowers and alliances as proof of its positive impact.
NATO was formed on the fourth of April 1949, when the United States signed the treaty
that would form one of the world’s most powerful alliances. With the American’s fear of
soviet intervention in the West, NATO was formed shortly after the Berlin Blockade and
the Truman Doctrine. This alliance solidified a security umbrella over Europe and
further separated the two with the “iron curtain”.
One of NATO’s major principles was “to maintain adequate military strength and
political unity to deter aggression and other forms” (Spearhead Newspaper). United
against communism, NATO led a common commitment to protection and collective
security across international borders. NATO contained 12 North American and
European countries, and excluded any nations that were within the Soviet sphere of
influence.
When the USSR suggested they should join NATO in 1954, this created a ripple effect
within NATO members. NATO countries believed their motive would weaken their
alliance, and swiftly rejected their proposal. The following year when West Germany
entered NATO, Soviets complained that German rearmaments would make reunification
impossible and this outrage spiraled into the formation of the Warsaw Pact.
The Soviets argued that NATO violated the principles of the United Nations and was an
aggressive alliance towards them and Eastern Europe resulting in the Warsaw Pact
being formed in 1955. The Warsaw Pact was known as an “anti-NATO” pact, as it
signatories agreed to assist any co-signatory that was the victim of aggression from the
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West. The resulting Soviet alliance proved the dangerous impacts of NATO’s collective
security objective and only furthered tensions between the two superpowers, pushing
the others closer to the possibility of a war.
Furthermore, NATO’s other principle was “to pursue a policy aimed at a relaxation of
tensions between the East & West” (Spearhead Newspaper). This was a fundamental
policy that focused on general military strength and had a détente approach to foreign
affairs. During the 1970s, a softening of tensions was seen between the two
superpowers. Under the influence of NATO & the Warsaw Pact, the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty confirmed the control of arms between the two. NATO argued that
their nuclear sharing arrangements met the treaty as the US forces controlled the
weapons and subsequently the treaty was signed on 1st July 1969. This treaty
demonstrated that the matching defenses between the two further deterred the
possibility of an arms race – securing NATO’s two principles: maintaining security and
pursuing détente.
During the 1980s, the blazing fuse between the two superpowers was reignited, and
tensions flared between NATO and the Warsaw Pact respectively. With the “star wars”
taking place, Reagan’s presidential reign and Margaret Thatcher coming to power – the
approach to détente took a new dynamic that threatened the possibility of relaxing
tensions. However when the USSR dissolved in the 1990s – NATO lost its initial
incentive, and in regards to maintaining international peace expanded membership
towards Eastern Europe.
In 1991, the Rome Summit allowed the co-operation between Central and Eastern
European countries unification into NATO. US President, Bill Clinton stated that this
summit allowed, “the veil of hostility between East and West [to be] lifted” (BBC News),
and this was certified when Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland became NATO
members. Russia was given “a voice but no veto” (BBC News), and consequently NATO’S
borders moved an estimated 400 miles eastwards – erasing the iron curtain
permanently. The transition between the 1980s and 1990s provides solid evidence that
NATO sufficiently aided political stability and strong economic progress that would
deter any possible aggression sustaining international peace after the Cold War.
Additionally, the Kosovo Crisis in 1999 demonstrated the beneficial impacts of NATO’s
collective security policy. In an attempt to stop the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s
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aggressive attacks, Operation Allied Force (an 11 week bombing campaign) advocated
NATO’s first military engagement. During the crisis, NATO deployed the ACE Mobile
Force, which delivered humanitarian aid to refugees in Kosovo. When Yugoslavian
leader, Slobodan Milosevic agreed to NATO’s demands and agreed to UN Resolution
1244 the conflict ended on 11th June 1999. NATO’s participation in the Kosovo crisis,
demonstrated the sufficient implementation of the fundamental principles.
Collaboratively working with the UN, NATO was able to prevent further conflict, manage
a crisis, and collectively secure a nation that was under an unprovoked aggressive
attack.
In conclusion, despite the threats NATO imposed on international relations with the
Warsaw Pact forming, it is evident that NATO was successful in executing their policies
set forth in 1978. Though originally NATO was formed as a “safety net” for the allies to
“repel any form of aggression and to safeguard their freedom” (BBC News) – it is
apparent that during the Cold War and with events such as The Rome Summit (1991)
and the Kosovo Crisis (1999) NATO also efficiently assured collective security across
international borders despite Cold War tensions. NATO’s role during the Cold War
proved that their policies were successful as they were able to act as a defensive body
and also actively promote peace and stability during and after the Cold War.
Works Cited
MacClay, Jim. "Our Purpose in Europe." Spearhead Newspaper 12 Apr. 1976.
The Purpose of NATO during the Cold War. Web. 5 Jan. 2012.
<http://www.3ad.com/history/cold.war/nato.mission.htm>.
"NATO's Cold War Roots." BBC News, 3 Aug. 1991. Web. 05 Jan. 2012.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/325388.stm>.