The US President When NATO Was Founded: A Look Back at the Alliance's Creation and Evolution

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded in 1949 in the aftermath of World War II, with the purpose of securing peace in Europe. The alliance was created as a response to the Soviet Union's expansionist policies in the region, and aimed to provide a collective defense against any potential aggression. NATO, formed after World War II, is an intergovernmental alliance among European nations as well as Canada and the U.S..

Estonia and its fellow Baltic countries joined NATO on 29 March 2004, but the story of its path into the alliance goes much further back, to the early days of independence from the Soviet Union. Estonia saw NATO membership as a way to solidify its place in the international community and protect itself from potential Russian aggression. The country had to overcome significant obstacles to join NATO, including a lack of military resources and a small population.

For more than 30 years, NATO tried to build a partnership with Russia, developing dialogue and practical cooperation in areas of common interest. However, the partnership was strained by Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, and its ongoing support of separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. As Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, the role of NATO is at the forefront. The alliance has provided military support and economic sanctions against Russia, and has pledged to defend its member states against any potential aggression.

President Trump's impulsive decision recently to remove 12,000 American troops from Germany — without a serious interagency review or consultation with Congress or NATO allies — has raised concerns about the future of the alliance. Some experts worry that this move could weaken NATO's ability to respond to potential threats from Russia, and could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy away from Europe.

Mikhail Gorbachev himself said the question of NATO's expansion didn't come up in discussions when he was Soviet leader. That hasn't stopped Russia from viewing NATO as a direct threat to its security. The alliance's expansion eastward has been a major source of tension between NATO and Russia, and has contributed to the deterioration of their relationship in recent years.

Amid reports of Russian missiles striking inside Ukraine's neighbor Poland, DW explains the origins and purposes of the trans-Atlantic alliance. NATO's role in Europe has been crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the region for over 70 years. The alliance continues to adapt to changing security threats and challenges, including cyber attacks and terrorism. As tensions with Russia continue to mount, the importance of NATO's collective defense cannot be overstated.