<h5>How do countries cooperate with each other?</h5>  <p>We live our lives by cooperating with our friends, family members, relatives, and others. It is the same for countries as well. Every country depends on other countries to ensure the well-being of its citizens. For example, India buys fuel from other countries to meet the fuel needs of its citizens.
Sometimes, countries enter into treaties, promising cooperation in trade, military, etc. One such treaty is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
</p> <h5>What is NATO?</h5>  <p>Founded in 1949, NATO is a treaty between several countries for defence and military cooperation. Currently, thirty countries are members of NATO, with twenty-eight situated in Europe and two in North America. </p>
<p>The most important aspect of NATO is its principle of collective defence. It means that if a member of NATO is attacked, other members will also consider it an attack on them and will fight the attacker together.</p>
<p>Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May earlier this year. Now, they’ve been invited to join NATO. Let’s find out why they applied and what NATO membership means.
</p> <h5>Why did Sweden and Finland apply to join NATO?</h5>  <p>It may surprise some, but Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership because of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Unfortunately, the Ukraine-Russia conflict is not only between those two countries. It also involves Sweden, Finland, NATO, and the rest of the world. 
Both Sweden and Finland feel distressed and fear that they might enter into a conflict with Russia, just like Ukraine. If this happens, they alone will not be able to defend themselves. They will need support from other countries. The most expeditious way to get this security is to join NATO.
</p> <h5>What will happen if they decide to accept the invitation?</h5>  <p>After accepting the invitation, Sweden and Finland will go through a lengthy seven-step process before becoming members of NATO. But not everyone is happy with this news. Russia has criticised NATO’s invitation to Sweden and Finland. It has been said that if NATO troops enter Sweden and Finland, it will take strong measures to protect itself. 
On the other hand, NATO has stated that inviting Sweden and Finland to join is a significant step toward restoring peace in Europe. NATO has also announced that it will increase its military presence to defend Sweden and Finland against any attack by Russia.
</p> <h5>Are there other treaties like NATO?</h5>  <p>Yes, there are - NATO is not the only military treaty in the world. There are several other treaties like it. For example, Russia is a part of one such treaty called the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The CSTO has a total of six members, including Russia. These countries also follow the principle of collective defence.
</p> <h5>Is India part of any such military treaties?</h5>  <p>Not yet - India has not joined any military treaty. It doesn’t mean India does not collaborate with other countries on its defence needs. India has developed close cooperation with countries like Russia, France, the United States of America etc. 
Following the news on these treaties can tell you a lot about our world. So keep reading, and keep learning!
</p>

Sweden and Finland were recently invited to become members of NATO. Let’s find out what made them apply and what NATO membership means.

Sweden and Finland Invited to Join NATO

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Sweden and Finland Invited to Join NATO

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