NATO Flashcards
(4 cards)
NATO Perspective
UN Charter article 2(4)
NATO Charter article 1
The 2022 NATO Strategic Concept
It frames the war as an unprovoked act of aggression against a sovereign state, in violation of international law and the core principles of the UN Charter, specifically Article 2(4), which prohibits “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
This view also aligns with NATO’s foundational values as stated in the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty (NATO Charter), particularly Article 1, which commits members to settle international disputes by peaceful means and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
The 2022 NATO Strategic Concept, adopted at the Madrid Summit, declared Russia as ”the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Interests
- Collective defence
- Act as a deterrence of Russian aggression
- Collective Defence of member states (Article 5):
The paramount interest is to ensure the security and territorial integrity of all member states. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine directly challenges the principle of inviolable borders in Europe, necessitating a robust collective defence posture to deter any potential attack on NATO territory. - Act as a Deterrence of Russian Aggression:
To prevent the conflict from spreading to NATO allies and to discourage future Russian expansionism, NATO aims to project strength and resolve. This involves enhancing forward presence and rapid reinforcement capabilities.
Response
- Troop Increase: NATO’s presence on its eastern flank increased from a few thousand to over 40,000 troops under direct NATO command, supported by national deployments.
- Finland and Sweden both joining in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
- Defence Spending: Collective defence spending by European Allies and Canada increased for the ninth consecutive year in 2023, reaching an estimated $380 billion (Source: NATO Annual Report 2023).
- Member states providing $40 billion in aid to Ukraine
Impact of interests on the conflict
Collective defence/deterrent (Article 5) –> Troop increases on Eastern flanks/40 billion Euros in aid to Ukraine by member states –>
Deterred further Russian aggression outside of Ukraine and prevented Russia from taking over Ukraine which would pose a threat of further Russian expansion
