The US treaty obligations commit American forces to defend more than 50 countries. Roughly 25% of the world’s population. Here’s a brief history of the major treaties.
1947 Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Known as Rio Treaty)
The United States’ first formal international defense treaty began with 23 members in the western hemisphere. Castro’s take over in 1962 led to the suspension of Cuba from the treaty. Citing the Iraq War and the US siding with the UK in the Falklands War, Mexico formally left in 2004. By 2016, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador joined Mexico on the outside. Venezuela (2015-19) and Uruguay (2019) also left the treaty, but rejoined in 2020. Canada never joined, which means since 2004 neither of the Americans’ two biggest free trading partners are members.
1949 North Atlantic Treaty
NATO Secretary General Hastings Lionel Ismay was the first person to say that the purpose of NATO was “to keep the Soviet Union out, the Americans in, and the Germans down.” With eight expansions of membership NATO has grown from twelve members, to thirty. Additionally, Finland and Sweden petitioned to join in 2022. No country has formally left the alliance. In 1966 France developed its own nuclear deterrent and withdrew from NATO’s military command structure. As a result the alliance moved its HQ from Paris to Brussels. In 2009, France reintegrated into NATO as a full member, but retained their independent nuclear forces.
1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines
In 2018 the Phlippines began a review of the Mutual Defense Treaty. The initial results, withdrawing from the Visiting Forces Agreement, called the entire treaty into question. However, tensions between the Philippines and China altered the equation and both countries reaffirmed their commitment to each other.
1951 Mutual Defense Alliance between the US, Australia, and New Zealand (ANZUS)
In 1985, New Zealand’s anti-nuclear policy and the refusal of the US to confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons on its ships came to a head and New Zealand refused entry to the USS Buchanan. With the three countries unable to resolve their differences, the US suspended its defense obligations to New Zealand. Despite several moves to strengthen ties, the suspension remains.
1953 Mutual Defense Treaty Between the US and the Republic of Korea
Created two months after the Korean Armistice Agreement, which didn’t end the war but established a cease-fire, the agreement binds the US to defend South Korea. To back up its pledge, the US maintains active duty forces (~28,500) in South Korea.
1958 US-UK Mutual Defense Agreement
Already pledged by NATO, the 1958 treaty specifically covers nuclear energy and defense cooperation between the US and the UK.
1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the US and Japan
This treaty updated the terms of the original 1951 treaty which had ended the US occupation of Japan. It eliminated the clauses that heavily favored the US, e.g., US forces were no longer permitted to intervene in domestic Japanese politics. Essentially, it recognizes both parties as partners. Under terms of the treaty, the US maintains more troops (~54,000) in Japan than any other country.
2021 Mutual Defense between the US, UK, and Australia (AUKUS)
The newest US defense treaty focuses on advanced warfare technologies such as hypersonic weapons, AI, cyber capabilites, and more. Additionally, it allows Australia to acquire nuclear powered submarines from the US and UK. The signing of the pact, which led Australia to cancel €56 billion in French submarine contracts created a diplomatic row with France.
Map of US Treaty Obligations (Nuclear Agreements not shown separately)
As always thanks for reading.
Armen
Note to pay the bills: The Warders, a secret group of hightly trained operatives, strives to protect the small kingdom of Eridan from the predations of its larger neighbors. Filled with magic and adventure, the series is a James Bond-like thriller set in a high fantasy world. Why not give take a look? You can find a summary of the six book series here or find links to purchase books here.
Additionally, consider signing up for my FREE newsletter. It contains announcements about new books, early notification of sales, and opportunities to participate in the creative process, e.g., being a beta reader. I promise that it will not overwhelm your inbox – I’m thinking once a month or less depending on news.
If you have subscribed, but haven’t received a newsletter, please check your spam folder. Moving the newsletter to your inbox should fix the issue.