Understanding Treaties

What are treaties?

Countries make treaties to strengthen relationships between countries. A treaty is a formal agreement between countries. Treaties can end a war or conflict, define territories or boundaries, secure and protect, provide aide, and create alliances and international relationships.

Treaties are usually signed by heads of state and organizations. Countries involved in the treaty are required to follow the terms of the treaty.

NATO. Flags of memebers of North Atlantic Treaty Organization and symbol.

NATO stands for the "North Atlantic Treaty Organization." This treaty is an alliance of 30 North American and European countries.

High school student protest march against gun violence and for gun law reform.

This treaty was established in 1949 to protect the freedom and security of its members. If there is an outside threat to one of the 30 countries, the other countries band together to defend, secure, and help the threatened country.

Heads of governments of member countries of NATO at the opening ceremony of NATO summit 2018 in front of NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on July 11, 2018.

Heads of government at a NATO meeting, also called a summit.