Section 1. Preamble:

WHEREAS the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has strengthened the transatlantic relationship since its formation on April 4, 1949; and

WHEREAS NATO was founded to “safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of [its] peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law”; and

WHEREAS NATO members share a common commitment to free market, democratic values and is a community of republics and democracies that acts collectively to promote freedom, stability and peace around the globe; and

WHEREAS NATO was instrumental in engineering the successful resolution of the Cold War; and

WHEREAS the sustained commitment of NATO to mutual defense has made possible the democratic and economic transformation of Central and Eastern Europe which was noted by the Heads of State and Government at the 2008 Bucharest Summit who observed “NATO’s ongoing enlargement process has been an historic success in advancing stability and cooperation and bringing us closer to our common goal of a Europe whole and free, united in peace, democracy and common values. NATO’s door will remain open to European democracies willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership, in accordance with Article 10 of the Washington Treaty.”; and

WHEREAS NATO serves as a force multiplier facilitating multinational contributions to American national security priorities and is involved in missions around the globe that benefit US national security interests and gives the United States access to military installations around the world; and

WHEREAS since the end of the Cold War, NATO has continued to redefine and transform itself in order to confront emerging threats such as terrorism, hybrid warfare, instability caused by failed states, cyber attacks, piracy and threats to energy security and that this process of modernization accelerated in the wake of the 9/11 attacks; and

WHEREAS NATO’s ability to address these 21^st century threats is as robust as its capabilities to counter conventional threats; and

WHEREAS the West’s increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G makes collaboration with likeminded allies and improving NATO’s capabilities in the digital realm an even greater imperative; and

WHEREAS the rising threat from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) including but not limited to attempts to interfere in the electoral processes of NATO member states demands that the Alliance increase cooperative security measures in order to protect itself; and

WHEREAS NATO helps improve diplomatic and political relations among the allies as well as creating opportunities to enhance diplomatic and political relations among non-NATO strategic partners within NATO frameworks such as the Mediterranean Dialogue and Partnership for Peace; and

WHEREAS there is a high degree of economic integration among NATO members increasing the importance of transatlantic cooperation and defense for America’s economic health; and

WHEREAS since the 2014 Wales Summit, NATO allies have increased their defense spending and seven NATO allies have met the two percent of GDP threshold; and

WHEREAS NATO provides a forum for nations to share and communicate intelligence which helps strengthen each nation’s national security against global threats; and

WHEREAS NATO’s Article 5, mutual defense clause, serves as a peacekeeping deterrent to aggressors; and

WHEREAS the world is returning to a great power competition reminiscent of the Cold War: a strategic landscape that is best navigated in close cooperation with likeminded allies; and

WHEREAS unilateral withdrawal from NATO would not only cripple the security of Western nations but also undermine the United States’ reputation as a reliable strategic and economic partner.

Section 2.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that the legislature of the state of [INSERT STATE] commends NATO for its 70 years of contributions to peace, stability and democracy in the West and around the world.

Be it further resolved that the legislature of [INSERT STATE] reaffirms the enduring commitment of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a bulwark of America’s national security and vital worldwide security and stability.

Be it further resolved that the legislature of [INSERT STATE] reaffirms the commitment of the United States to ensure all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization commit to contributing their agreed to financial commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for their own national security and vital worldwide security and stability.

Be it further resolved that the legislature of [INSERT STATE] recognizes that continued United States leadership in NATO is essential to addressing evolving threats to national security and to fulfilling NATO’S three core tasks: collective defense, crisis management and cooperative security.

Be it further resolved that the legislature of [INSERT STATE] reaffirms the commitment of the United States to NATO’s mission and its belief that NATO is the most successful security alliance in our nation’s history and one that will continue to be a cornerstone of America’s security.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.

Approved by ALEC Board of Directors December 20, 2019