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NATO

Intergovernmental military alliance of 32 member states

NATO, established in 1949, is a collective security system of 30 European and 2 North American countries. It has played a key role in global security, with its main headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. NATO's military operations have spanned across various regions, and its members aim to maintain defense spending targets.

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Cold War European Union Russia-Ukrainian War Jens Stoltenberg AUKUS Soviet Union United Nations European Debt Crisis Brexit UN Peacekeeping Forces

Timeline

Atlantic Charter

The Atlantic Charter was a 1941 agreement between the United States and United Kingdom that laid out a framework for international cooperation without territorial expansion after World War II.

North Atlantic Treaty

In April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was established as a multilateral collective-defense scheme to enhance Western security and promote democratic values in response to the emerging Cold War tensions.

Formation of NATO

NATO, originally formed as a bulwark against communism, has been the cornerstone of British defence planning for 70 years. It has been involved in peacekeeping roles and the 'war on terror'.

Founding of NATO

On April 4, 1949, 12 countries from Europe and North America signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C., establishing NATO. The founding members included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Founding of NATO

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established on April 4, 1949, with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C. It was formed as a collective defense alliance to counter the threat of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Accession of Greece and Turkey to NATO

On February 18, 1952, Greece and Turkey officially joined NATO, strengthening the alliance's southern flank and countering communist influence in the region. This move was strategically important during a time of fear of communist expansion in Europe and globally.

Selection of Hastings Ismay as Secretary General

Hastings Ismay, a general from World War II and Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations in the British cabinet, was selected as the first secretary general of NATO in March 1952 due to his high rank in the war and diplomatic experience.

Germany joins the Western Union

Germany's accession to the Western Union led to the organization changing its name to the Western European Union. This move also marked a step towards Germany's NATO membership.

End of Germany's status as an occupied country

The termination of the Federal Republic of Germany's status as an occupied country occurred with the Bonn-Paris conventions coming into effect. This event paved the way for Germany to become NATO's 15th member country.

Incorporation of West Germany into NATO

On May 9, 1955, West Germany joined NATO, a move considered a pivotal moment in European history. The inclusion of German forces was seen as crucial for NATO to bolster its conventional defense capabilities against a potential Soviet threat.

De Gaulle's Memorandum on NATO

In September 1958, Charles de Gaulle sent a memorandum to US President Dwight Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, proposing the creation of a tripartite directorate to challenge the strong role of the United States in NATO.

German Reunification and NATO Expansion

The expansion of NATO occurred with the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, as East Germany became part of the Federal Republic of Germany and the alliance. The Two Plus Four Treaty earlier that year ensured Soviet approval for a united Germany to remain in NATO.

NATO Air Campaign in Bosnia

In September 1995, NATO carried out a nine-day air campaign in Bosnia, which played a significant role in ending the conflict in the region.

NATO Deployment of Multinational Force in Bosnia

In December 1995, NATO deployed a UN-mandated, multinational force of 60,000 soldiers to help implement the Dayton Peace Agreement and create conditions for lasting peace in Bosnia.

Invitation of Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland to join NATO

On July 8, 1997, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland were invited to join NATO, with overwhelming support from their citizens.

Conflict in Kosovo

By the end of 1998, over 300,000 Kosovar Albanians had fled their homes during the conflict between Albanian separatists in Kosovo and the Serbian military and police. NATO conducted air strikes for 78 days to allow a multinational peacekeeping force to enter Kosovo and cease ethnic cleansing.

NATO: The World’s Largest Alliance

NATO, established in 1949, is an intergovernmental military alliance between North American and European countries. It was formed as a collective defense against the Soviet Union during the Cold War and continues to play a significant role in global security.

Czechia, Hungary, and Poland join NATO as former Warsaw Pact members

On 12 March 1999, Czechia, Hungary, and Poland officially became the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join NATO, marking a significant milestone in the alliance's expansion.

NATO Attack on Serbia

On March 24, 1999, NATO launched a military intervention against Serbia, marking a significant event in the Kosovo War.

NATO Suspends Air Campaign in Kosovo

On June 4, 1999, NATO suspended its air campaign in Kosovo after confirming the withdrawal of the Serbian army from the region. The deployment of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) followed shortly thereafter.

September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by al-Qaida terrorists using hijacked airliners as weapons of mass destruction, leading to the invocation of NATO's Article 5 for the first time in history.

NATO Russia Summit Signing Ceremony

Russian president Vladimir Putin and President Bush shared a word at the end of the signing ceremony for the NATO Russia summit in the Pratica di Mare Air Force base on the outskirts of Rome.

Launch of NATO Response Force (NRF)

The NATO Response Force (NRF) was established at the 2002 Prague summit, marking the first summit in a former Comecon country.

NATO Takes Over Command of ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan

On August 12, 2003, NATO assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan. British peacekeeper Pvt. Sean Knight is seen interacting with Afghan children during a patrol in a village.

Madrid Train Bombings

Attack on the Madrid commuter train system on March 11, 2004, as part of the wave of terrorist activities post-9/11, emphasizing the determination of violent extremists to harm civilians.

NATO Enlargement

On 29 March 2004, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia officially became members of NATO, following the completion of the accession process initiated at the Prague Summit.

London Public Transport Bombings

Terrorist attacks on the public transport system in London on July 7, 2005, further illustrating the resolve of violent extremists to target innocent civilian populations.

Montenegro joins Partnership for Peace

Shortly after regaining independence in June 2006, Montenegro joined the Partnership for Peace in December of the same year, signaling its commitment to cooperation with NATO.

NATO Summit conference in Bucharest

NATO leaders and delegates gathered in Bucharest for a summit conference. The event took place on April 3, 2008.

France's Military Reform and NATO Membership

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's policies led to a major reform of France's military position, resulting in France rejoining the NATO Military Command Structure on April 4, 2009, while maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent.

NATO intervention in Libya

In 2011, NATO played a crucial role in protecting civilians in Libya from their own government's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protestors. The intervention was mandated by the United Nations due to the excessive violence used by Libyan security forces.

Finland and Sweden considering joining NATO

Finland and Sweden are contemplating abandoning their traditional military neutrality and potentially joining NATO due to Russia's incursion into Ukraine. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto is anticipated to reveal his decision on NATO membership in May 12, 2022.

NATO officially recognizes cyberwarfare as an operational domain of war

On 15 June 2016, NATO formally acknowledged cyberwarfare as a legitimate domain of warfare, alongside land, sea, and aerial warfare. This recognition allows for a coordinated response to cyber attacks on NATO members.

Montenegro becomes NATO member

On 5 June 2017, Montenegro officially became a member of the NATO alliance, solidifying its position in the transatlantic security organization.

Montenegro's Accession to NATO

Soldiers from Montenegro unfurled the national flag during a ceremony at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to mark Montenegro's accession to the alliance.

Assembly Declaration on Affirming NATO’s Unity and Credibility at the Brussels Summit

In May 2018, an assembly declaration was made at the Brussels Summit to reaffirm NATO's unity and credibility.

Recognition of the Republic of North Macedonia

On 15 February 2019, the country formerly known as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was officially recognized as the Republic of North Macedonia, following the Prespa Agreement. This recognition paved the way for its NATO membership.

North Macedonia joins NATO

On 27 March 2020, North Macedonia became the 30th member of NATO, after fulfilling the necessary requirements and reforms as outlined in the Prespa Agreement. This marked a significant milestone in the country's integration into the alliance.

Finland and Sweden Consider Joining NATO

In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden are contemplating abandoning their traditional military nonalignment stance to potentially join NATO. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto is expected to reveal his decision on NATO membership on May 12, 2022.

NATO Summit Invitation to Finland and Sweden

During the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid on June 29, Allied Leaders agreed to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO. This decision signaled a significant step towards the expansion of the alliance.

Finland Joins NATO

On April 4, 2023, Finland deposited its Instrument of Accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, officially becoming the 31st member country of NATO. This marked a historic moment for Finland's security and defense cooperation.

End of the Timeline
NATO

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