The document outlines key events in NATO's history from its founding in 1949 as a military alliance in response to the Soviet Union, through its involvement in the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s providing humanitarian intervention in Bosnia and Kosovo, to its post-2001 focus on the War on Terror and security in Afghanistan rather than humanitarian missions. It traces NATO's evolution from a unified military structure among Western states to addressing crises like ethnic cleansing and protecting civilians in the Balkans, before shifting attention to the Middle East after 9/11.

1. 1949- European Treaty of Brussels to counter the Soviet Union is
replaced by the North Atlantic Treaty, bringing in the United
States, as well as several others. Created as a unified military
command structure organization that would standardize
terminology and technology among member states.
1991- Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact demands an ongoing
reevaluation of the purpose and role of NATO. The initial result
is a reduction of arms, formation of a rapid response
organization, and rejoining of France.
1995- When Serbian air forces target civilians in violation of UN
designated Bosnian safety zones, known as the Markale
massacres, NATO responds in its first major foray into
humanitarian intervention, running hundreds of sorties against
Serbian targets and deploying artillery. The two massacres
together were responsible for the deaths of over 100 civilians
and many more wounded.
1999- 11 Nations of NATO respond to allegations of a campaign
of ethnic cleansing called Operation Horseshoe by Serbian
policemen and Yugoslavian Armed Forces. They launch an
extensive bombing campaign, ultimately forcing a Yugoslav
withdrawal from Kosovo and ending the Yugoslav wars of the
1990s.
Post-2001- The War on Terror redirects NATO efforts towards
security in Afghanistan and strategic readiness towards the
Middle East and away from the question of humanitarian
intervention. Furthermore, the International Convention on
Intervention and State Sovereignty released a document
outlining a "Responsibility to Protect" doctrine, which outlines the
conditions for valid application of humanitarian intervention.