# What Is NATO? How the Alliance Works and Why Russia Fears It > NATO has 32 members pledged to defend each other — here's how the alliance works, what Article 5 means, and why it's more important than ever. *Section: World — By Liam Chen (World Affairs Reporter) — Published July 8, 2026 — 8 min read* Canonical URL: https://dailyjunction.org/world/nato-explained-what-it-is-why-it-matters Tags: NATO, military alliance, Article 5, Russia, Ukraine, defence, collective security, transatlantic alliance ## Key takeaways - NATO has 32 member states (including Finland and Sweden, who joined 2023-2024) pledged to collective defence under Article 5: an attack on one is an attack on all - Article 5 has been invoked once — after 9/11 (2001) — leading to NATO's involvement in Afghanistan for 20 years - NATO members must spend 2% of GDP on defence, but only 11 of 32 meet this target (UK 2.3%, USA 3.5%, Germany 1.5% in 2023) - Russia views NATO expansion as an existential threat and invaded Ukraine partly to prevent it joining NATO, though Ukraine is not a member - NATO's combined military spending is $1.3 trillion per year (55% of global total), with the USA accounting for 68% of NATO spending The **North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)** is the world's most powerful military alliance, with **32 member states** across Europe and North America pledged to defend each other under **Article 5** of the NATO treaty: **an attack on one is an attack on all**. NATO was created in **1949** to counter the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and it has expanded eastward since the Soviet collapse in 1991, adding 16 new members (mostly former Soviet states and Warsaw Pact countries). Russia views NATO expansion as an existential threat and invaded Ukraine in 2022 partly to prevent it joining NATO. NATO is more important than ever, but it faces challenges: members disagree on defence spending, the USA is questioning its commitment, and the war in Ukraine has exposed divisions. Here is everything you need to know about NATO — what it is, how it works, and why it matters. ## What Is NATO? **NATO** (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance of **32 countries** in Europe and North America, founded in **1949** to provide **collective defence** against the Soviet Union. ### The founding principle: Article 5 **Article 5** of the NATO treaty states: > "The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all." This means that if Russia (or any other country) attacks a NATO member, all 32 members are obliged to respond. This could include military action, economic sanctions, or other measures. Article 5 is NATO's **core principle** and the reason the alliance exists. It is a **deterrent** — Russia knows that attacking a NATO member would trigger a war with the entire alliance, which is why it has not done so. ### Article 5 has been invoked once Article 5 has been invoked **once** in NATO's history: after the **9/11 terrorist attacks** on the USA in 2001. NATO members declared that the attacks were an attack on all members, and NATO forces deployed to **Afghanistan** to fight al-Qaeda and the Taliban. NATO remained in Afghanistan for **20 years** (2001–2021), the longest military operation in its history. ## The 32 Members ### Founding members (1949, 12 countries) Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, UK, USA ### Later joiners - **1952**: Greece, Turkey - **1955**: West Germany (reunified Germany joined in 1990) - **1982**: Spain - **1999**: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland - **2004**: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia - **2009**: Albania, Croatia - **2017**: Montenegro - **2020**: North Macedonia - **2023**: Finland - **2024**: Sweden ### Why Finland and Sweden joined Finland and Sweden were **neutral** for decades, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed their calculus. Both applied for NATO membership in **May 2022** and were admitted in **2023** (Finland) and **2024** (Sweden). Russia warned that Finnish and Swedish membership would have "serious military and political consequences," but it has not acted on this threat. ## How NATO Works ### The North Atlantic Council The **North Atlantic Council** is NATO's main decision-making body, made up of ambassadors from all 32 members. It meets weekly in Brussels and makes decisions by **consensus** (all members must agree). The Council is chaired by the **Secretary General** (currently **Mark Rutte**, Netherlands, elected 2024). ### The Secretary General The **Secretary General** is NATO's chief diplomat and spokesperson. The role is largely symbolic — the Secretary General has no power to make decisions without consensus from members. Previous Secretaries General include **Jens Stoltenberg** (Norway, 2014–2024) and **Anders Fogh Rasmussen** (Denmark, 2009–2014). ### NATO military command NATO has a **military command structure** led by the **Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)**, always a **US general**. SACEUR commands NATO forces in Europe and coordinates military operations. NATO does not have its own army. Instead, members contribute forces to NATO operations on a case-by-case basis. ### The 2% target NATO members are expected to spend **2% of GDP on defence**. This target was agreed in **2014** (after Russia annexed Crimea) but is not legally binding. **Members meeting the 2% target (2023)**: 11 of 32 - **USA**: 3.5% (£700 billion) - **UK**: 2.3% (£60 billion) - **Poland**: 3.9% (£25 billion) - **Greece**: 3.0% (£8 billion) - **Estonia**: 2.7% (£1 billion) **Members not meeting the 2% target**: - **Germany**: 1.5% (£60 billion) — the biggest laggard, given its size - **France**: 1.9% (£55 billion) - **Italy**: 1.5% (£30 billion) - **Spain**: 1.3% (£20 billion) - **Canada**: 1.3% (£25 billion) The USA has repeatedly criticised European members for not meeting the 2% target, arguing that the USA bears a disproportionate share of NATO's costs. ### NATO's combined military power NATO's combined military spending is **$1.3 trillion per year** (2023), around **55% of global military spending**. - **USA**: $877 billion (68% of NATO total) - **UK**: $74 billion (6%) - **Germany**: $67 billion (5%) - **France**: $64 billion (5%) - **Other 28 members**: $218 billion (16%) NATO has: - **3.5 million active military personnel** - **20,000+ tanks** - **20,000+ aircraft** - **800+ warships** - **5,000+ nuclear warheads** (USA, UK, France) This makes NATO by far the most powerful military alliance in the world. ## NATO Expansion NATO has expanded from **12 members in 1949** to **32 members in 2024**, mostly by admitting former Soviet states and Warsaw Pact countries after the Cold War ended in 1991. ### Why NATO expanded NATO argues that expansion was driven by **demand** from former Soviet states, who wanted protection from Russia. Countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine have historical reasons to fear Russia (Soviet occupation, Holodomor, invasions). NATO also argues that expansion promotes **democracy, stability, and peace** in Europe. ### Why Russia opposes expansion Russia views NATO expansion as an **existential threat**. Russia argues that: - NATO promised not to expand eastward after the Cold War (disputed — no formal agreement exists) - NATO expansion encircles Russia and threatens its security - NATO expansion is a pretext for US military bases near Russia's borders Russia has repeatedly warned that NATO expansion (especially to Ukraine and Georgia) would have "serious consequences." ### The Ukraine question **Ukraine** is not a NATO member, but it has aspired to join since **2008**, when NATO said Ukraine could join "eventually" without setting a timeline. Russia invaded Ukraine in **2022** partly to prevent NATO membership. Russia demanded that Ukraine renounce NATO membership as a condition for peace, but Ukraine refused. Ukraine cannot join NATO while at war (NATO rules prohibit admitting countries with active territorial disputes). But NATO has provided **$100+ billion in military aid** to Ukraine, including weapons, training, and intelligence. ## NATO Operations NATO has conducted several military operations since 1949: ### 1. Afghanistan (2001–2021) NATO invoked Article 5 after 9/11 and deployed forces to Afghanistan to fight al-Qaeda and the Taliban. NATO remained in Afghanistan for **20 years**, the longest military operation in its history. The mission ended in **2021** with the Taliban's return to power. ### 2. Kosovo (1999) NATO bombed Serbia for **78 days** to stop ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. The operation was controversial because it was not authorised by the UN Security Council (Russia and China opposed it). ### 3. Libya (2011) NATO enforced a no-fly zone over Libya during the civil war, leading to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The operation was authorised by the UN Security Council but criticised for causing instability. ### 4. Counter-piracy (2009–2016) NATO deployed warships to the Gulf of Aden to combat Somali piracy. ### 5. Ukraine support (2022–present) NATO has provided **$100+ billion in military aid** to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022, including weapons (HIMARS, tanks, F-16 jets), training, and intelligence. But NATO has not deployed troops to Ukraine (to avoid direct war with Russia). ## The Challenges ### 1. The USA is questioning its commitment **Donald Trump** (US President 2017–2021) repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO, calling it "obsolete" and criticising European members for not meeting the 2% target. Trump said the USA would not defend NATO members that did not pay their "fair share." Trump's threats undermined NATO's credibility and emboldened Russia. If the USA withdraws from NATO, the alliance would collapse (the USA accounts for 68% of NATO spending). ### 2. Members disagree on Russia **Eastern European members** (Poland, Baltic states) see Russia as an existential threat and want NATO to take a harder line. **Western European members** (Germany, France) are more cautious and prioritise dialogue with Russia. This division has paralysed NATO's response to Russia at times. ### 3. Turkey is a problem **Turkey** is a NATO member but has increasingly authoritarian and pro-Russian policies. Turkey has: - Bought Russian S-400 missile systems (incompatible with NATO systems) - Blocked Finland and Sweden's NATO membership for months (eventually lifted) - Threatened to veto Ukraine's NATO membership Turkey is strategically important (controls the Bosphorus Strait, borders Russia and the Middle East), but it is a difficult ally. ### 4. The 2% target is not met Only **11 of 32 members** meet the 2% defence spending target, and the USA is frustrated at bearing a disproportionate share of NATO's costs. ### 5. NATO cannot enforce democratic standards NATO requires members to be democracies, but it has no mechanism to expel members that backslide. **Hungary** and **Turkey** have become increasingly authoritarian, but they remain members. ## Why NATO Matters ### 1. It deters Russian aggression NATO is the reason Russia has not invaded the Baltic states, Poland, or Finland. Russia knows that attacking a NATO member would trigger a war with the entire alliance. ### 2. It promotes stability in Europe NATO has helped keep peace in Europe for 75 years, the longest period of peace in European history. ### 3. It coordinates military action NATO provides a framework for coordinating military action among 32 countries, which would be difficult without the alliance. ### 4. It supports Ukraine NATO has provided $100+ billion in military aid to Ukraine, helping it resist Russia's invasion. ## The Bottom Line NATO has 32 member states (including Finland and Sweden, who joined 2023-2024) pledged to collective defence under Article 5: an attack on one is an attack on all. Article 5 has been invoked once — after 9/11 (2001) — leading to NATO's involvement in Afghanistan for 20 years. NATO members must spend 2% of GDP on defence, but only 11 of 32 meet this target (UK 2.3%, USA 3.5%, Germany 1.5% in 2023). Russia views NATO expansion as an existential threat and invaded Ukraine partly to prevent it joining NATO, though Ukraine is not a member. NATO's combined military spending is $1.3 trillion per year (55% of global total), with the USA accounting for 68% of NATO spending. NATO is the most powerful military alliance in the world, and it is more important than ever given Russia's aggression. But it faces challenges: the USA is questioning its commitment, members disagree on Russia, and only 11 of 32 meet the 2% defence spending target. NATO's future depends on whether members can overcome these divisions and present a united front against Russia. The alternative — a divided, weak NATO — would embolden Russia and threaten European security. ## Frequently asked questions ### Would NATO go to war if Russia attacked a member state? Yes, under Article 5. An attack on one NATO member is treated as an attack on all, and all members are obliged to respond. This could include military action, though the response is decided collectively. Article 5 is NATO's core principle and the reason the alliance exists. Russia knows that attacking a NATO member would trigger a war with the entire alliance, which is why it has not done so. ### Why isn't Ukraine in NATO? Because NATO membership requires unanimous approval from all 32 members, and several (Germany, Hungary) have blocked Ukraine's path due to fears of provoking Russia. Ukraine applied for NATO membership in 2008 but was told it could join 'eventually' without a timeline. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 partly to prevent NATO membership. Ukraine cannot join while at war (NATO rules prohibit admitting countries with active territorial disputes). ### Can NATO kick out a member? No. There is no mechanism to expel a member. A country can leave voluntarily (Article 13), but no country has ever left. Turkey and Hungary have been criticised for authoritarian behaviour, but they remain members. This is a weakness of NATO — it cannot enforce democratic standards on members. ## Sources - [NATO official website](https://www.nato.int/) - [UK Government — NATO membership](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office) - [The Guardian — NATO coverage](https://www.theguardian.com/world/nato) - [BBC News — NATO explainers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world) --- Daily Junction — https://dailyjunction.org/world/nato-explained-what-it-is-why-it-matters