1) What is NATO's purpose in the 21st century?

    In 1949 in the aftermath of World War II, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created by the United States, Canada, and many other Western European Nations as an alliance in contrast to that of the Soviet Union. With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, NATO had to find a new place in the world order. There is still debate if it has achieved such a goal. Today, NATO’s purpose alludes many global citizens, but is just as pertinent as ever. Although the Soviet Union fell almost thirty years ago, there are still major to security threats to all NATO allies. NATO still functions under the same rules and promises today as it did when it was founded. NATO members are promised support from other members after an attack on their soil.

In the past thirty years, seven formerly soviet occupied/ owned nations have joined NATO. NATO has become the Western world’s main source of a sense of security for nations with major security threats. However, Russia has continued to be a major player in this region as well. Russia has prevented many nations from joining NATO as it would be seen as a threat to Russian security. While Russia continues to influence the region, and has shown aggression towards several European nations such as Ukraine. NATO allies have come together to stop this aggression and have changed the sphere of influence in the region as well. NATO has also been active in other security threats to their members as well. NATO members sent more troops into Afghanistan than any other organization.

However, while NATO was created as an organization to provide military and security advantages, it has also lead its member states to more favorable trading deals and more democratic governments. Today, NATO is known globally and has prevented many nations from becoming victims of aggression. With the promise of alliance, NATO offers many benefits to its members, even thirty years after the fall of the Soviet Union.