NATOsÁttmálinn

NATO'sÁttmálinn, also known as the North Atlantic Treaty, is the founding treaty of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It was signed in Washington, D.C. on April 4, 1949, by the twelve founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The treaty established a system of collective defense, meaning that an attack against one member would be considered an attack against all. This principle is enshrined in Article 5 of the treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.

The primary purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty was to provide security against the perceived threat of Soviet expansionism in post-World War II Europe. The treaty aimed to deter aggression and promote stability in the North Atlantic area. It also provided a framework for political consultation and cooperation among member states on security matters. Over the decades, NATO's membership has expanded significantly, and its role has evolved to address a wider range of security challenges, including terrorism, cyber threats, and broader geopolitical instability. The treaty remains the cornerstone of the alliance, guiding its operations and strategic direction.