Knowra Collective defense Collective defense Collective defense is a security principle under which an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. It binds members to assist one another, while leaving the form of assistance to the governing agreement.
North Atlantic Treaty Article 5 : The North Atlantic Treaty clause stating that an armed attack on one or more allies is considered an attack on them all. It is the best-known treaty expression of the collective-defense principle.
September 11 attacks : The coordinated terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time in response to these attacks.
Collective security : A system in which states agree to oppose aggression against any member, potentially including aggression by another member. Unlike collective defense, it addresses threats to the whole system, not only attacks from outside it.
Brussels Treaty : The 1948 treaty in which Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom pledged mutual assistance. It established a European mutual-defense commitment shortly before NATO was founded.
North Atlantic Treaty Article 4 : The North Atlantic Treaty clause allowing allies to consult when a member’s territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened. Consultation can coordinate a response before allies invoke collective defense.
Operation Eagle Assist : A NATO air-surveillance mission over the United States conducted from October 2001 to May 2002. It was one of NATO’s first practical contributions after the Article 5 invocation.
Non-aggression pact : An agreement in which states pledge not to attack one another. It promises restraint between parties rather than assistance when one is attacked.
North Atlantic Treaty : The 1949 treaty that founded NATO and established its collective-defense commitment. It made the principle a binding foundation of the transatlantic alliance.
North Atlantic Council : NATO’s principal political decision-making body, composed of representatives of all member states. It provides the alliance forum for agreeing on collective measures.
Operation Active Endeavour : A NATO maritime operation launched in 2001 to monitor shipping in the Mediterranean and deter terrorism. It translated the post-September 11 invocation into a sustained maritime mission.
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