In-Class Assignment Class 4 (6%)

Centennial College

Geopolitics, Trade and Development

INTL 703

January 29, 2024

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO is often considered a traditional alliance

rather than a pure collective security arrangement, especially in its historical context and its

relationship with Russia. The distinction between traditional alliances and collective security lies

in the nature of the commitments and the way threats are addressed.

In relation to its specific threat focus, NATO was originally established in 1949 during the Cold

War with the primary purpose of countering the perceived threat posed by the Soviet Union. The

alliance's focus was specific and directed against a particular adversary. In this case, NATO was

formed in response to the shared threat posed by the Soviet expansion in Europe. In such context,

NATO's primary purpose was unmistakably specific: to counter the Soviet threat through a

collective defense mechanism. The alliance's formation reflects a classic model of traditional

alliances, where member countries unite against a common adversary, emphasizing a targeted

and precise focus on shared security concerns (McMahon, 2021).

Also, the NATO treaty includes a provision which states that an armed attack against one or

more of its members is considered an attack against them all. This reflects a specific and defined

obligation, where members commit to mutual defense in the face of an external threat. This

contrasts with collective security arrangements, which often involve a broader commitment to

maintain international peace and security without specifying particular adversaries (Moulioukova

& Kanet, 2021).

NATO is also a selective alliance, with membership limited to countries that share common

values and interests. It is not an open-ended collective security organization that encompasses all
nations regardless of their political systems or strategic interests. As discussed in our

Geopolitics, Trade and Development class, membership in traditional alliances is typically based

on mutual agreements and shared objectives, as opposed to a universal and open-ended inclusion

of all nations.

Furthermore, NATO has a strong military orientation, with a focus on collective defense and

the integration of military capabilities among member states. This aligns with the characteristics

of traditional alliances that are primarily concerned with military cooperation and deterrence

against specific threats.

While NATO was initially established as a traditional alliance during the Cold War with a

specific focus on countering the Soviet threat, its evolving role and engagement in cooperative

security initiatives indicate a certain degree of collective security orientation. For instance,

NATO engaged in peacekeeping and crisis management operations, contributing to a more

collective security-oriented approach in addressing various international challenges after the

Cold War. It has also engaged in cooperative security initiatives, such as partnerships and

dialogues with non-member countries, including Russia. These efforts suggest a move towards a

more inclusive approach that goes beyond traditional alliance dynamics (Nazemroaya, 2012).
 References

McMahon, R.J. (2021). The cold war: A very short introduction. OUP Oxford.

Moulioukova, D., & Kanet, R.E. (2021). Russia and the world in the Putin era: From theory to

reality in Russian global strategy. Taylor & Francis

Nazemroaya, M.D. (2012). The globalization of NATO. Clarity Press.