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NATO | A short recap
- 1949: The North Atlantic Treaty is signed, establishing NATO as a military alliance of democratic states in Europe and North America.
- 1950-1953: NATO supports the United Nations during the Korean War.
- 1955: The Soviet Union establishes the Warsaw Pact, a military alliance of communist states in Eastern Europe, in response to NATO’s presence.
- 1960s: NATO develops a doctrine of flexible response, which emphasizes a mix of conventional and nuclear capabilities.
- 1980s: Tensions rise between NATO and the Soviet Union, particularly over the deployment of Pershing II missiles in Europe.
- 1989: The fall of the Berlin Wall marks the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era for NATO.
- 1990s: NATO launches its first out-of-area operations, including peacekeeping missions in the Balkans.
- 2001: NATO invokes Article 5 for the first time in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
- 2011: NATO leads a military intervention in Libya to protect civilians and enforce a no-fly zone.
- 2014: Russia annexes Crimea from Ukraine, leading to a renewed focus on NATO’s role in Europe’s security.
- 2016: NATO members agree to increase defense spending and capabilities in response to evolving security threats.
- 2021: NATO continues to adapt to changing security challenges, including cyber attacks and hybrid warfare.