Washington treaty

Source-This post on Washington treaty has been created based on the article “NATO marks 75th anniversary as foreign ministers meet in Brussels” published in “NATO” on 4 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Foreign Ministers of NATO have recently gathered at its headquarters in Brussels to mark 75 years since the signing of the Washington Treaty.

About Washington treaty

Description-The Washington Treaty, or North Atlantic Treaty, forms the basis of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It is a short treaty containing only 14 articles.

Date of signing of treaty-The Treaty was signed in Washington, D.C. on 4 April 1949, by 12 founding members.

Authority-The Treaty derives its authority from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. This article reaffirms the inherent right of independent states to their individual or collective defence.

Collective defence-It means that an attack against one Ally is considered as an attack against all Allies. This is at the heart of the treaty and is enshrined in Article 5.

What is the significance of Washington treaty?

1) The Alliance has ensured peace, democracy and prosperity for its members, now counting 32 Allies and one billion people on both sides of the Atlantic

2) Despite the change in the security environment in the last few decades, the original treaty has remained unchanged, and each ally has the potential to implement it according to their capabilities and circumstances.

Read more-North Atlantic Treaty Organization

UPSC Syllabus-International Organizations.