North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Overview

• Largest and most powerful military alliance in the world.
• 31 member states (North America, Europe); Sweden likely to become 32nd member.
• Core strength: Article 5 (collective defense).

Article 5

• States that an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
• Geographic limits defined by Article 6.

Article 6 (Geographic Limits)

• Covers member territories in North America, Europe, entirety of Turkey, islands above Tropic of Cancer.
• Leaves out some territories of UK, France, Spain, USA, Netherlands.
• Notable unprotected areas:
  • UK: Falkland Islands.
  • Netherlands: Caribbean islands.
  • France: Overseas territories, French Guiana.
  • USA: Guam, Puerto Rico, Hawaii.

Historical Context and Motives

• Founded in 1949 to contain the Soviet Union and prevent spread of communism in Europe.
• Avoided including colonial and overseas conflicts in NATO’s scope.
• Article 6’s boundaries allow NATO to avoid difficult post-colonial conflicts.

Specific Cases

United Kingdom

• Falkland Islands left unprotected; demonstrated during Argentina’s 1982 invasion.

France

• French Departments of Algeria included initially, later became irrelevant post-Algerian independence.

Spain

• Ceuta, Melilla, Vélez de la Gomera in North Africa, unclear if protected by NATO.
• 2022 Madrid NATO Summit reinforced commitment but left ambiguity.

United States

• Territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, Hawaii outside Article 6 scope.
• Despite this, US has significant military power to provide security independently.

Changing Article 6

• Theoretically possible; already happened in 1952 for Turkey.
• No current political will to expand boundaries.
• Focus remains on opposing Russia; potential future focus on Asia-Pacific.

Future Directions

• Asia-Pacific may become significant (US-China tensions).
• 2023 NATO Summit in Lithuania saw participation from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea.
• Possible long-term changes but unlikely in the near future.

Conclusion

• Geographic limits of NATO remain for now.
• Specific non-European territories remain excluded from full protections.