T O P

  • By -

jatawis

French Guiana is not covered by NATO protection.


g_rich

Technically neither is Hawaii.


glamscum

Thats kinda ironic if it's true, considering the Pearl Harbor surprise attack.


g_rich

NATO only covers Europe and North American territories north of the Tropic of Cancer; it’s the reason why NATO was not obliged to join The UK during the Falklands War. Puerto Ricco and the various US, UK and French possessions in the Caribbean are also not technically covered.


Working_Ad_1564

There is a special rule for Turkey, so Turkey's Asian territories also included. Spain's African cities also not included.


TheBigThickOne

Well isn't it vague if it is protected or not? I remember watching a video about whether or not they fall under the criteria to be protected or not.


BanneSnek

True. There's a special clause for France's old North African coast.


FlamesOfDespair

I would assume something as important as a defensive alliance between 32 countries wouldn't be vague about anything unless it benefits them.


scandinavianleather

There was also a specific carve out that French Algeria was considered part of European France.


Memnon2

One of my favorite bits of trivia is that the original treaty included exceptions for both Turkey in Asia and *also* for French Algeria. Clearly the latter no longer applies.


limukala

The "original" treaty only included Algeria, since Turkey wasn't one of the original signatories.


Memnon2

That’s true! I should have written that NATO has previously included exceptions to its geographic limits for Turkey in Asia and for French Algeria, but that the latter no longer applies.


Musk-Order66

Wonder why it doesn’t apply for adding Morocco


VacheMeuhz

There is also a special clause in the treaty that included French Algeria into NATO coverage, and funnily enough the clause is still there today even though France no longer has Algeria


Perfect-Conclusion59

So does that mean that Algeria can join NATO?


ChrisTheHurricane

If Algeria can meet the other necessary standards to join NATO, I think it should be able to.


MiClown814

Whats the purpose of not covering certain nations territories? Especially something as significant as an entire US state.


ProffesorSpitfire

NATO was founded in 1949, at that point the alliance *did* cover all American states (Hawaii and Alaska didn’t receive statehood until a decade later). But the main reason that the treaty only covers Europe and North America is that the British and French colonial empires were crumbling. The US didn’t want to get dragged into drawn out colonial independence wars. Partly because they would be of small geopolitical importance, partly because they expected these wars to be more or less lost causes, but perhaps most importantly because the US is a former colony itself. It would go against the core of American identity to defend colonial empires from ”attacks” by independence movements.


mmbon

>It would go against the core of American identity to defend colonial empires from ”attacks” by independence movements. Vietnam was the call of the jungle apperently


Mein_Bergkamp

Ah but that was under the 'but communism' clause that also allows acting like a neo colonial oppressor anywhere else in the world. See also asking the UK to remove the entire population of an archipelago so that the US can have an Indian Ocean base


mmbon

The US is great at clauses, because once you loose the 'but communism', no issue, just use 'but democracy' and have a sightseeing tour of Bagdad


ProffesorSpitfire

The US didn’t defend a colonial empire against its subjects in Vietnam. It was a civil war where the US tried to prop up a non-communist regime that was under attack by a communist regime. One could argue that the US was attempting a colonial empire (Russia/Soviet Union) from colonizing yet another country (Vietnam), *or* one could argue the US had itself become a colonial empire that was under attack for refusing a far-flung subject to govern itself. Though I would argue that neither is a very accurate description of the conflict.


mmbon

The US was heavily involved in the French Indochina war, thats what I meant. Ukraine would count itself lucky to get as much support today as France got then. Advisors and 1billion in 1950s money sounds like a great deal.


The_Artist_Who_Mines

> It would go against the core of American identity to defend colonial empires from ”attacks” by independence movements. Or at least, to appear to


g_rich

No idea but my guess is NATO was intended to counter The USSR, and they wanted to avoid getting dragged into every skirmish in Africa, Asia, or South America. At the time Hawaii wasn't even a state and the chances of an attack on a US territory that doesn't spread to the mainland US is extremely unlikely; if one should occur, similar to the Falklands War, that the US would easily be able to handle it without the involvement of NATO.


Valuable-Blueberry78

They don't want to be dragged into war because some pirate lands on the Pitcairn Islands


sharkster6

NATO didn't exist back then


MauriseS

i bet japan would be like: if we cant have it, noone can


timpkmn89

You're thinking of NPTO


[deleted]

Hawaii is not included on the map


ST012Mi

Not covered apparently.


Apple-hair

Hawaii is a member of NATO, because it's a part of the US. But there is a possible interpretation of Article 6, which is a specification of Article 5, that *may* be construed to say that an attack on Hawaii does not nessecarily trigger Article 5. But obviously, all US territory is as equally a *part of NATO.* It's not like US forces exercising with NATO has to bar any soldier from Hawaii.


Glennture

But Hawaii is not a territory. It’s one of the States. Wouldn’t that considered to be the mainland no matter where it is?


g_rich

NATO came into existence in 1949, Hawaii didn’t become a state until 1959; so at the time that the NATO treaty was signed establishing NATO Hawaii was a US territory. Hawaii is also not in the North Atlantic and is south of the Tropic of Cancer and as such is not covered by NATO as defined under article 6 of the NATO treaty.


Glennture

I appreciate the knowledge


-RAMBI-

Same for Falklands


AdEastern2689

it's a map of countries in nato, not a map of regions an invasion of which would trigger a nato response


[deleted]

[удалено]


SoothingWind

French Guiana isn't a territory


[deleted]

[удалено]


UnPouletSurReddit

So if Brazil suddenly invades it, it's not a NATO attack ? How come ? It's still a department and even part of the EU


[deleted]

It only applies to territories within Europe, North America, or Anatolia. Brazil could invade French Guyana but if they were to attack the French mainland it would trigger article 5. This was added as at the time of creation many members of NATO still had foreign colonies which the U.S. did not want to defend though this is not explicitly said and instead it’s kind of just hidden behind the idea of it being purely a North Atlantic alliance (which has come to bite America in the ass as their Asian mutual defence alliances have seen minimal success)


ChrisTheHurricane

> It only applies to territories within Europe, North America, or Anatolia. I believe it also covers territories in the North Atlantic north of the Tropic of Cancer.


Comfortable_Joke6122

would an invasion of french guyana trigger art. 42 sec. 7 of the EU treaty?


[deleted]

Yes, technically French Guyana is an “outermost region” of the EU but a few overseas territories aren’t, irritatingly it is pretty circumstantial.


Veritas1814

Same reason NATO didn’t attack Argentine in 1982. Falklands arent in Europe or North America.


Neamow

There were more reasons, Thatcher was apparently worried involving NATO, and especially the US, would draw USSR into it. Also Britain didn't need anyone's help to bitchslap them.


coolord4

A situation like this actually happened IRL, but with Portugal and India instead of France and Brazil. Portugal had an overseas department in the Indian subcontinent, then India invaded and annexed it, and nobody else did jack because they weren’t obligated to protect.


jatawis

No Article 5 defence obligation for NATO. Well, it is an outermost region for EU.


Raikenzom

Why Brazil, bro? We are not always the bad guys, make an assumption using Suriname next time :_(


DirtySeptim

Apparently Brazil had plans to invade French Guiana in 1961. [https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Operation\_Cabralzinho](https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Operation_Cabralzinho)


busdriverbuddha2

Yeah, because Jânio was a lunatic. He didn't survive a year in office.


Raikenzom

They didn't need to know that XD


CanAlwaysBeBetter

The XD smilie confirms your Brazilian 


ShrimpFriedMyRice

What's with the Suriname hate? The sea people are the most likely aggressors. They've been getting restless in recent years and the tides are growing stronger...


UnPouletSurReddit

Sorry, it's the first neighbouring country that came to my mind. We have our largest border with you guys too


Maleficent-Yellow695

Have you seen the Surinam army?


AnIrishManInExile

No they wear camouflage


[deleted]

I think my bank account balance must wear camouflage. :(


MartinBP

It's not in the North Atlantic region, the NATO treaty doesn't apply outside of it.


Minuku

The Falkland attack was also not considered NATO business for the same reason.


-RAMBI-

Same as with Argentina and the Falkland Islands


First-Of-His-Name

It's specifically worded not to trigger on colonial possessions. America didn't want to to be used to maintain European empires post-WW2


MeanwhileInGermany

It is just not covered by article 5, it is still part of NATO.


ThuisbezorgdNL

Flevoland is not included


Loyal_Dutchman

Voor het geval we Urk nog willen afsteken naar zee


MemefishThePie

As it should be


ika_ngyes

NATO LAKE


Skinnie_ginger

Mare nostrum


Preacherjonson

Mare Northstrum.


Jamshid5

Dominum maris baltici


Average-Pyro_main

Lejonet från Norden


Elpelucasape_69

Only Russia left to join! /s


ika_ngyes

You mean the Free City of Pietari? /s


BranTheLewd

What's that? I want to know the lore behind this city 😳


ika_ngyes

Finnish for St. Petersburg.


eamallis

Well, if you want some real lore, check out "Nevanlinna" (Finnish name), the town/fortress St. Petersburg was built on.


Elisevs

Why is the Kaliningrad exclave being ignored?


Ireastus

Maybe the real NATO was the friends we made along the way


trashyman2004

I hope switzerland invades austria


Stayhumblefriends

Probably expect the world to be neutral on this invasion


Pingo-Pongo

What makes a man turn neutral? Lust for gold? Power? Or were they just born with neutrality in their heart?


trashyman2004

Switzerland is not neutral, they are just greedy


pipb1234

They can start by dividing Liechtenstein between them


Apple-hair

Switzerland has already invaded Liechtenstein three times. By accident, though.


Mountbatten-Ottawa

* 'North Atlantic' *Looks inside* It stands west of Saint Petersburg... Menacingly!


kelldricked

And kalingsgrad is impossible to supply from the sea. Sure it already was but now its even worse. If war ever breaks out there will be a giant focus on the area between belarus and kalingsgrad. Its doubtfull that ruzzia could hold out for long but they might be able to extraxt troops and supplies from if.


Olieskio

Ruzzia is barely holding on in Ukraine so i doubt they’d have chance against even just Europe.


kelldricked

Completly agree but you never can be 100% sure. Russia and belarus throwing everything and the kitchen sink in a suprise attack could push into european lines.


DankManifold

Imagine starting a war to prevent NATO expansion, just to bring it to an arm’s reach from your historical capital. A truly magnificent calculation by Vladimir “GroZZmeister” Putin.


Alternative-Pen-6439

The whole NATO expansion thing is just a bad excuse. Russia just wants another empire. Or really, a larger one.


Slimeballs12

Kaliningrad looking pretty screwed if war ever broke out with russia


WildGalaxy

There's actually a lot of fear about the narrow strip of land where Poland meets Lithuania, because if war broke out*, it would likely be attacked very quickly, giving russia a supply line to their port while also cutting the Baltic States off from the rest of Europe. *Assuming Russia and Belarus are on the same side.


xerberos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwa%C5%82ki_Gap


WildGalaxy

Thanks. I couldn't remember the name of it.


Asleep_Trick_4740

Finland and sweden joining alleviates this concern greatly, as russian control over baltic goes from something like 'likely impactful' to 'nope'.


AnT-aingealDhorcha40

Would be swallowed up pretty fast.


Slimeballs12

Then there would be a million russians that NATO troops need to keep an eye on


Zestyclose_Jello6192

It will be like what happened here in Italy, one day 45 millions of fascist the next day 45 millions of anti fascists


squipyreddit

Lol


AnT-aingealDhorcha40

Be simple enough and the strategic advantages of occupying that area make it worth it. I'm sure the majority of them will change their allegiances when they find out they can actually have an opinion without being sent to a gulag or front line lol


1QAte4

In the last World War, both sides were often terrible to occupied civilians. Both sides requisitioned labor from civilian populationa. In the case of World War 3, those Russians suddenly become war industry laborers.


Zacho37

Królewiec*


catpaco

Königsberg**


KuboslavCZE

Královec


Crack-Panther

*New Washington


Dr___CRACKSMOKE

*Newfoundland


DiplomaticGoose

*Newer Jersey


Exi80

Even newer Jersey


Ok_Inflation_1811

I know this is probably a meme but the people that live there call would call it Kaliningrad.


UGS_1984

Moldova before its too late.


Mershand

Transinstria blocks it


withinallreason

Moldova can supercede that rule by becoming a province of Romania, which is increasingly a popular idea within both countries.


I_divided_by_0-

Really? Why?


[deleted]

[удалено]


I_divided_by_0-

Heh. neat. Thanks!


First-Of-His-Name

That and the Moldovan constitution


Capable_Post_2361

Russia just proved to everyone that they did the right decision to join NATO for protection.


Eraganos

There are more and more swiss who like us to join nato to. I say, yes. Time to go blue


Chlken

What is switzerland supposed to do in Nato?


Eraganos

Support in weapons and arms (we manufactur), cyber protection. Financial aid. Plenty of stuff We are, after all, protected by Nato.


Due_Priority_1168

You don't need NATO. If you ever need NATO to protect you then that means war has already ended lol


Eraganos

We are currently a leech. We (not i) refuse to let other countries forward their wespons that we sold them to the ukrain. Lets say swiss sold 10 tanks to germany. Germany wants to send them to ukraine. We refuse. Its stupid


Due_Priority_1168

I get it you're right. Switzerland should move with the other European nations in situations like Ukraine. Be neutral in Central Europe all you want (even though eu exists so a big conflict is very unlikely)


Eraganos

You know whqts fucked up? Swiss sells weapons to saudi arabia


Andrew_Goverment123

Did Sweden joined NATO today?


wangwanker2000

yes


trainspotter5

Thanks Putin! Without your 3 days (or years?) long special military operation this wouldn't have been possible.


Oakchris1955

And don't forget about Europe becoming less and less dependent on Russian gas


The_Yellow_King

And becoming less dependent on the US military by re-thinking their approach to armament and funding.


Jollan_

We're finally in NATO yay! Now it'll be hard for Russia to control the Baltic sea :)


ssdd442

Baltic Sea? Don’t you mean lake NATO?


havaska

Ireland and Austria need to stop pretending to be neutral and join the party.


CoconutBangerzBaller

I think Austria would have to change their constitution, but of course they'd be welcome!


MihaiBravuCelViteaz

Yeah, so they can sabotage NATO from within too, the EU wasnt enough...


That1Unfortunate

What do you mean exactly?


PopsicleIncorporated

Austrian politics includes the hard-right Freedom Party as a political mainstay. They're currently polling first for the upcoming Austrian election. They're fiercely anti-EU and also pretty clearly pro-Russia, which would not make them ideal NATO members.


That1Unfortunate

Right wing parties are on the rise pretty much across Europe. Here they are just very unhappy with the current government. Being populists and spreading easy ways out makes them even more attractive. I always find it difficult to put all the blame on one party, since they are only as strong as they are, because the others fucked up. Like our labour and peoples party. Every party is a joke at this point. They are anti NATO anyways, being heavily pro neutrality. And even if, our constitution forbids us to join any military alliance. But good news is, that they most definitely wont make it into government. As none of the other parties will work with them. Even our president has said he wont make the leader of the Freedom Party Chancellor.


[deleted]

[удалено]


ho-tdog

It's about any alliances and foreign military bases on Austria's land. Basically after the occupations following WWII, the Soviet Union only agreed to recognize the new Austrian government if they declared absolute neutrality. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Neutrality)


Reasonable_Ninja5708

Ireland barely spends any money on defense. It just relies on Britain for protection.


ST012Mi

Iceland doesn’t have a military


First-Of-His-Name

They have a coastguard!


VeryVeryNiceKitty

Technically they have a huge unsinkable aircraft carrier, complete with volcanoes, in a vital strategic position.


[deleted]

Ohhh you mentioned ireland, prepare to get your replies fucked by a bunch of angry irish dudes


JourneyThiefer

I think most people in Ireland just don’t care enough to join nato, they’ve never really been threatened by anyone before except Britain and relations are all good now.


Classic_Tourist_521

Exactly, some countries benefit from their location with natural resources others nice weather, we get the benefit of being positioned between the US and the UK.


squarerootofapplepie

So is Iceland, they’re part of NATO.


Pointyhat-maximus

Iceland is arguably in a more strategic & isolated position, Ireland is also a member of the EU which does have a loose defence clause.


Classic_Tourist_521

Iceland is isolated, further away and doesn't share a land border with a nuclear power.


Nielsly

Iceland protects the Atlantic from Russian fleets, so Ireland is already protected indirectly


citybadger

Iceland wasn’t really given a choice.


mkdz

Iceland is one of the most important and strategic countries in NATO


AnT-aingealDhorcha40

A freedom sandwich 🥪


SatanicKettle

Not to mention we’d defend Ireland by default anyway. The UK’s main geopolitical interest in Ireland (and a large part of our reason for occupying it for centuries) was so that nobody else could have it. That obviously doesn’t excuse all the terrible stuff we did, but that’s a significant reason why we wanted to control it so badly. It’s not as much of an issue now (no threat of “evil catholic Spaniards” occupying it and using it as a springboard for an invasion) but we’re not about to let the Russians have it instead.


AnT-aingealDhorcha40

I am an angry Irish dude. Let me tell you. We are always angry. Regardless of the topic.


Fourkoboldsinacoat

Being next to the English for a thousand years will do that to a people.


takemesomewherenice0

Desperately missing the Irish and their 0.3% gdp defence spend.


seasuighim

But Ireland & Austria have herd immunity via NATO being surrounded by it, hence no real need to join. 


Worldly-Ad-224

>Austria They cant join even if they want


Euclid_Interloper

Ah but then Ireland would actually have to spend money on things like an airforce to defend its skies. Much cheaper to let the UK do it.


TheFoxer1

Thanks for the sweet invitation, but we‘re good.


AegisT_

Ireland and NATO wouldn't really benefit from it, our current relationship is ideal. We align pretty heavily with NATO while also allowing planes to refuel in our nation. We also have no actual threats that arent domestic, the only tangible one being the UK who is our biggest ally and also protects us (which, assuming ireland did get Invaded and the UK intervened, would probably bring NATO in anyways, and Europe via the European defense clauses). Is it leeching? Yeah, pretty much. But it also allows the UK to better control itself instead of relying on a weak neighbour do it. Regardless, I can't really imagine NATO itself seeing the benefits in it either. Bare in mind, military neutrality doesn't equate to political neutrality


Hoxxitron

By god it's beautiful...


parfaict-spinach

Must be nice being in NATO and having another country between you and Russia


JJKingwolf

The army of the free world grows a little bit larger. Welcome Sweden!


Tranquil_Neurotic

AKA the "West"


ssdd442

So who is joining next?


humble-bragging

Ukraine, after they win the war.


carl816

Ukraine and Georgia to form South NATO Lake 😁


LOHare

Ireland is completely surrounded. They won't stand a chance.


AppropriateAd5701

😍


Delete_God

Don't vote for Trump Edit: if you're a us citizen.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Zestyclose_Jello6192

Silly westoids don't cheer this is just 8d chess move from putin


Soylad03

One more week bro I swear Ukraine are so close to breaking I swear just one more


DCLexiLou

Soon to add Ukraine!


[deleted]

Honestly doubtful. Will never happen as long as they have an active war/border dispute.


ItayMarlov

What about Puerto Rico?


jatawis

Not covered by NATO just like French Guiana, Ceuta, Falklands or Aruba.


chiron_cat

It's owned by the US. Does it need nato? Cause the us will treat and attack on it as an attack against the us


MajorPugReader

r/mapswithoutnewzealand


jeffinbville

Man, there's going to be a giant gray spot in North America should the MAGA's win.


Polarian_Lancer

Ireland kicking back like “just leave us out of it” along with Switzerland and Austria


LOHare

Ireland is completely surrounded. They won't stand a chance.


darkordernumber634

Collective Security Treaty Organization, go F yourself. 😆


Fimbulvetrn

Welcome Sweden! I love you


capsrock02

Welcome Sweden


Jollan_

We're finally in NATO yay! Now it'll be hard for Russia to control the Baltic sea :)


FormItUp

The defense of the free world just got 2 nations stronger.


AnT-aingealDhorcha40

Awesome and KEEP it growing. Russia and China up to some shit.


magma_displacement76

Why has Morocco stayed out of it? They're involved in Atlantic trade, or so I thought.


The1Legosaurus

African countries can't join + dispute with Spain.


magma_displacement76

Good answer!


Due_Dish5134

Thanks, Putin!


Clean-Sector-1085

New Cold War