Abstract

This thesis explores the legal framework of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (herein referred to as NATO) within the context of international law. It focuses on the conflicts and challenges the treaty faces in maintaining legitimacy and relevance in today’s world. Beginning with the foundation and historical background of NATO, this thesis traces its original purpose during the Cold War and how its role changed in response to changing international relations post 1999.It examines whether the world still requires NATO’s model of collective defense. The thesis also examines NATO’s dependence on the United States, questioning whether the alliance could survive without US military and logistics dominance. Through this holistic exploration the study provides insights into the challenges NATO faces in adapting to changing security needs while still staying aligned with international legal standards. The paper revolves around questioning the relevance of NATO at present, if the alliance is causing more harm with its failed interventions or causing more good to the society by acting as a “shield” to the majority of European countries.

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