International Relations : Ideological & Political Groupings

Q 2 / 4

UPSC CSE Prelims 2025

Consider the following countries :
  1. Austria
  2. Bulgaria
  3. Croatia
  4. Serbia
  5. Sweden
  6. North Macedonia
How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The following countries from the provided list are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

  • Bulgaria (joined 2004)
  • Croatia (joined 2009)
  • Sweden (joined 2024)
  • North Macedonia (joined 2020)

Thus, four of the listed countries are NATO members. Austria and Serbia are not members; Austria maintains military neutrality, and Serbia pursues military neutrality while cooperating with NATO through the Partnership for Peace program.

Incorrect Options

  • Option 1 (Only three): This option is incorrect as four countries from the list are NATO members.
  • Option 3 (Only five): This option is incorrect because Austria and Serbia are not NATO members.
  • Option 4 (All the six): This option is incorrect as two of the listed countries, Austria and Serbia, are not members of NATO.
SOURCEThe Hindu/Indian Express/PIB March 2024