Did you know that the United States is bound by treaties to defend a quarter of humanity?

2015-05-31T00:39:00-04:00

The United States is bound by a number of treaties that could, in theory, force it to get involved in a war if an ally is attacked. Consider, for example, the situation in Ukraine, a non-member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. If a NATO ally were to find itself under similar threat from Russia, the U.S. may find itself duty bound to war.

Or alternatively, cast your mind to the South China Sea and its territorial disputes. If China were to engage militarily with the Philippines at some point in the near future, the U.S. may well be expected to step in to protect its ally: Since 1951, the U.S. and the Philippines have had a bilateral agreement for mutual defense.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2015/05/30/map-the-u-s-is-bound-by-treaties-to-defend-a-quarter-of-humanity/?tid=pm_world_pop_b

Map: The U.S. is bound by treaties to defend a quarter of humanity

Could that drag Americans into a war?

Response by 1LT William Clardy made May 31 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-05-31T00:42:55-04:00

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, are Jane Fonda and Michael Moore included in that quarter?

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 31 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-05-31T00:53:06-04:00

Yep. But i have a feeling a good majority of those treaties will be for the lack of a better word, ignored. Situation dependent.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 2:44 AM

2015-05-31T02:44:34-04:00

The better question is will the United States honor those treaties. Both our friends and our enemies are weighing the odds on that right now.
I think we have already been measured and found lacking.
And that is why our rivals are acting so aggressively right now.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 31 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-05-31T07:36:21-04:00

I believe some people in our history would call those 'entangling alliances.'

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made May 31 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-05-31T11:15:24-04:00

very interesting, lets hope we dont have to defend Ukraine or Turkey anytime soon.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-05-31T12:04:59-04:00

We are just that badass

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 7 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-08-07T09:51:55-04:00

And, of course, a quarter of humanity is also bound to defend the United States.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Aug 17 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-08-17T10:42:04-04:00

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad - Gunny; Alternatively "Did you know that one quarter of humanity is bound by treaties to defend the United States of America?".

BTW, I wouldn't actually worry about treaties which "bind" the United States of America to do anything.

Why?

Because the American government can always get a "legal opinion" that it isn't "bound" to do anything at all - if that's what the American government wants to do. Equally it can always get a "legal opinion" that it is "bound" to intervene (even without a treaty) - if that's what the American government wants to do.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 17 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-08-17T11:32:58-04:00

If I had a choice, I would sign such a treaty with all my friends and associates that were more than capable of handling their enemies, being a skinny old white guy. However, if I came to the rescue of my allies, they probably would tell me that they didn't need my assistance. Of course we have lots of oral and written agreements around the globe, but where are they when they are needed?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-08-17T11:56:41-04:00

Both impressive and scary when you think about it. Actions by a whole lot of people that aren't us could draw us into conflicts we don't necessarily agree with.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Aug 17 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-08-17T12:36:17-04:00

What's important is to look at the precise language of all those treaties. A key phrase is important "consistent or in accordance with (not sure which) our constitutional processes." That means that any commitment of U.S. forces beyond 90 days requires congressional authority. Granted, some presidents including Pres. Obama believe they can do what they want. But Congress can cut off funds as it did with the Vietnam War.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-08-17T13:50:32-04:00

It's time to pay the US for war insurance.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-08-17T15:24:53-04:00

My question is what doctrine or ideology makes us want to become allies with these countries? I think France and the UK have the only sizable military amongst those nations.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2022 12:50 AM

2022-06-06T00:50:17-04:00

I did not know that. Question to you is: Do the USArmy spectate if a 25% of the Ukrainian population leaves their home.