THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION-NATO IN THE POST-COLD WAR PERIOD AND THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

(REALISM AND INSTITUTIONAL LIBERALISM)

Abstract

Many alliances and coalitions were created by states in different eras in the world based on their interests. Similar alliances were formed when countries’ interests overlapped and they had a common enemy.  The largest coalition in world history was created during the Second World War, at the last stage of the Second World War, more than 50 countries joined the "anti-Hitler coalition". However, the alliances took the biggest form after the Second World War, when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO was created to protect against the threat of the spread of communist ideology in Europe, and on the other hand, in the opinion of communist ideologues, for the purpose of defense against "Western imperialism" at the initiative of the states included in the Soviet bloc - the organization of the Warsaw Pact.

            Today the concept on national security in the world is no longer limited by the borders of one state, the stable situation in the state depends on the integration processes developed at the regional and global level. Among the numerous organizations in the world, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) occupies a central place. The answer to the question of what are the main reasons for the success of this organization must first be found in its principles and values. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949, was able to fulfill its main duties, namely to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states.  After the end of the "Cold War", when the issue of its absence became active, NATO was able to transform itself and continues to function successfully to this day.

Key words: NATO, Soviet Union, Cold War, Warsaw Pact, neorealism, liberalism.