International alliance
The idea that nations form relationships to collectively protect against a common threat stretches back at least to the end of World War II when leaders of 12 countries came together in this very room to sign the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreement. It was a powerful moment that transformed the way nations think about their global security and how they respond to threats.
Today, a wide range of international alliances exist. They range from formal military alliances sealed by a treaty to more informal trade partnerships. These alliances provide important opportunities for countries to advance their national interests in the context of a larger international order. They can also offer the promise of preventing future world wars and protecting democracies around the globe.
Yet the benefits of international alliances are not universal and the risks can be high. When a country focuses on the benefits it gains from an alliance, it can overlook the pitfalls that can arise if the alliance is not managed properly. This lesson explores the different ways an ally might pursue its own objectives through alliances and why such strategies can be dangerous for its own security.
After regaining its independence, Montenegro worked with NATO on a number of initiatives, including the development of interoperability and defence and security sector reforms. In addition, the country participated in NATO’s Partnership for Peace and Membership Action Plan (MAP) before signing its Accession Protocol in May 2016 to become an official member of NATO.
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