Collective Security

Security arrangements established between two or more states to provide for mutual self-defense in the face of aggression. Collective security historically has been an important tool for maintaining peace and preserving national security.

Collective security agreements often take the form of treaties. Parties to such a treaty generally agree that if one party is attacked, one or more of the other signatories is obliged to come to its aid and repel the attacker. States bound together by such treaties are obliged to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their allies and, in turn, receive protection from allies if attacked.

The principle of collective security is advantageous because it allows states to “borrow” the military capabilities of other states in times of threat or emergency. As a result, states gain additional protection and feel more secure. Collective security is particularly beneficial for small states that value autonomy but whose military capabilities are limited. Through collective security arrangements, states may obtain the benefits of greater firepower without the loss of sovereignty that may accompany other sorts of alliances. Moreover, defensive efforts that states make on behalf of their allies gain international legitimacy through collective security treaties or agreements.

Collective security also has the effect of enforcing some limits on the use of force. Because the world has no overarching government above that of the nation-state, states theoretically may engage in any kind of hostile action they please. To combat this, a collective security arrangement establishes rules and normalizes the appropriate uses of force, which are usually restricted to defensive purposes. In this way, collective security serves to limit attacks between nations and acts as an enforcement mechanism for the rules against hostility.

Collective security also has a less military dimension. By embracing collective security, states imply a commitment to resolving disputes among themselves by means other than force, such as mediation or negotiation. This can promote regional peace and allow the states involved in the agreement to devote fewer resources to military or national defensive. Further, it also may foster information sharing as nations join together to fight terrorism, deter aggression, or cooperate on economic or social welfare initiatives.

Collective Security Treaties

The United Nations Charter, which was intended to promote international peace and security, contains various provisions for collective security. The charter was written following World War II, and its authors sought to limit the occurrence of interstate war and unilateral attacks by raising the costs of aggressive offensives. According to the UN Charter, states (UN members or otherwise) that attack a UN member state face armed force from other members, who are obligated to help repulse the attack. Articles 42, 43, and 51 of the charter authorize the United Nations to direct members' armed forces to defend the invaded country under such circumstances. However, the authorization of force is directed by the Security Council, and disagreement among its members may prevent an effective collective response.

The North Atlantic Treaty, the founding document of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also contains provisions for collective security. According to the NATO treaty, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The NATO members are committed to pledging forces in accordance with UN principles, and they are required to cease military actions once the United Nations intervenes in a conflict. Under the terms of the treaty, collective defense may be initiated if there is a sudden attack against an ally, its citizens, or its national interests. However, these terms do not include attacks on colonies held by signatory states. The treaty also comes into force if there is a perceived threat to international peace and security.

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