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.