Why NATO? - History of North Atlantic Treaty Organization скачать в хорошем качестве

Why NATO? - History of North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The story of NATO shown on "THE BIG PICTURE" television series -- In this issue of THE BIG PICTURE TV series, the cameras are focused on NATO -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Guest narrator for this filmed documentary is the distinguished commentator and news analyst, Mr. Edward R. Murrow. As shown in this episode, the United States as a founding member of this vital international body, has demonstrated to the world the importance we place on the closest association between the members of the Atlantic community. Throughout history, nations have sought through treaties and alliances with other nations, to maintain their security and remain free from attack. But not until the twentieth century did the concept of national security become worldwide in its scope. World Wars I and II and the Korean War proved beyond any doubt that when one free nation anywhere is threatened by aggression, the safety of all free nations is ultimately at stake. Dramatically presented on film, the United States is shown in its strategic role as leader in the free world and its alliance with other nations dedicated to the preservation of peace and the welfare of mankind. The North Atlantic Alliance was founded in the aftermath of the Second World War. Its purpose was to secure peace in Europe, to promote cooperation among its members and to guard their freedom – all of this in the context of countering the threat posed at the time by the Soviet Union. The Alliance’s founding treaty was signed in Washington in 1949 by a dozen European and North American countries. It commits the Allies to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law, as well as to peaceful resolution of disputes. Importantly, the treaty sets out the idea of collective defence, meaning that an attack against one Ally is considered as an attack against all Allies. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization – or NATO – ensures that the security of its European member countries is inseparably linked to that of its North American member countries. The Organization also provides a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation across the Atlantic. A political and military Alliance: Security in our daily lives is key to our well-being. NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. POLITICAL - NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict. MILITARY - NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations. These are carried out under the collective defence clause of NATO's founding treaty - Article 5 of the Washington Treaty or under a United Nations mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organisations.