This question is not about remembering all NATO
members. It’s about linking current affairs with static knowledge.
After the Russia-Ukraine war, NATO expanded, and countries like Sweden (2024) and Finland (2023) joined. This made NATO news very important.
So, UPSC is testing if you can use current affairs +
basic facts to think smart, not just memorise lists.
@SubhashKshatri It's simple geo-location rule (wild-guess):
- Countries closer to Western Europe / surrounded by EU states - usually Pro-West (NATO)
- Countries in Eastern Balkans with historical ties to Russia - usually Pro-Russia or Neutral
- Austria
- west side, but known for neutral ideology - Not NATO
- Bulgaria
- Eastern Europe, EU-aligned, seeks security - NATO
- Croatia
- Balkan state, pro-West after Yugoslavia break-up - NATO
- Serbia
- Russia-friendly, militarily neutral - Not NATO
- Sweden
- Dropped neutrality after Russia–Ukraine war - NATO
- North
Macedonia - Small Balkan country, joined NATO for security - NATO
Current Affairs is the key here.
