Alliances and treaties are essential parts of how the U.S. interacts with other countries. They play a big role in keeping the country safe, shaping defense plans, and affecting relationships around the world.

1. NATO and Defense Commitments:

• NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, started in 1949. It has 30 member countries that promise to help each other if one is attacked.
• According to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, if one country is attacked, all the other countries must respond. This means the U.S. has to send military support if allies are in danger.
• By 2021, the U.S. paid about 70% of NATO’s military costs, showing its strong leadership in global security.

2. Bilateral Treaties and Economic Impact:

• The U.S. has over 12,000 international treaties, including important trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
• This agreement has helped increase U.S. exports by around $68.2 billion. This shows how alliances can boost the economy and help countries trade more with each other.
• Trade deals are crucial because they can affect around 43 million jobs in the U.S. across different industries.

3. Strategic Alliances in Asia:

• The U.S. has made strong partnerships in Asia, especially with Japan and South Korea. These alliances help with military cooperation and security against threats from North Korea and China.
• There are about 80,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan and South Korea, showing the U.S.’s dedication to keeping the region stable.

4. Counterterrorism Efforts:

• Alliances also help in fighting terrorism. A good example is the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, which includes over 75 countries. Together, they have successfully reduced ISIS’s control by about 98% since 2014.

In conclusion, alliances and treaties are important for shaping how countries work together, both in military and economic ways. They help the U.S. maintain safety and navigate complex issues around the world.