NATO @ 70: The Rule of Law Alliance

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, is a product of and key player in international law. Created to accomplish the political-military tasks necessary to defend Western Europe and North America, NATO has successfully deterred conflict in Europe and beyond, proving itself as a rule of law alliance. This presentation will examine the North Atlantic Treaty’s successes in meeting the collective security needs of its members, assessing the interplay of international law and other international and regional organizations with NATO’s mission. It will also address contemporary challenges facing the Alliance, such as technological advances in the security, privacy, and military arenas. It will look forward to adaptations necessary for NATO’s future success, and the contributions international law, NATO, and the collective action of its member States can achieve in the 21st Century. Steven Hill is the Legal Adviser and Director of the Office of Legal Affairs at NATO Headquarters in Brussels