NATO Rules: If the US attacks a NATO member country, where would the complaint be filed? Are there rules for such a situation?
a (2)
US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by openly stating that the US wants to control Greenland to counter the growing influence of Russia and China. Although Greenland itself is not a separate member of NATO, it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark is a founding member of NATO, which means the island falls under NATO’s collective security framework. Meanwhile, let’s explore where a complaint would be filed if the US were to attack a NATO country.
What is NATO’s core principle?
NATO was founded on the principle that its members would never wage war against each other. This alliance is defensive, designed to deter external aggression. However, international law anticipates violations of treaties, and mechanisms exist to address such situations.
The North Atlantic Council
The North Atlantic Council is a NATO institution where all member states are equally represented. If a NATO country feels threatened or believes another member has attacked it, it can immediately raise the issue with the North Atlantic Council under Article 4 of the NATO treaty. Article 4 allows any member to call for consultations when its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
Can Article 5 be invoked against the US?
Article 5, NATO’s famous collective defense clause, states that an attack on one is considered an attack on all. This means that if one NATO member attacks another, the other allies can invoke Article 5 in defense of the victimized country. However, NATO does not have specific rules to deal with aggression by one member against another, as such a situation was never envisioned when the treaty was drafted.
Suspension of Rights
Under Article 1 of the NATO treaty, all members are bound to resolve disputes peacefully and refrain from using force against each other. If any member fails to adhere to this principle, it could face suspension of rights within the alliance or political isolation.
