Question 21→ 2025 IAS Prelims GS I : Genius Classroom Explanation
📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.21 | Classroom Explanation
📌 Question
Q.21) Consider the following countries:
I. Austria
II. Bulgaria
III. Croatia
IV. Serbia
V. Sweden
VI. North Macedonia
How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?
(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All the six
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
🧑🏫 Classroom Explanation
This question tests current affairs–linked static knowledge related to international security alliances, a recurring UPSC theme under International Relations.
🔍 Key Concept: NATO Membership
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization):
• A transatlantic political and military alliance
• Established in 1949 under the Washington Treaty
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• Membership expanded through multiple rounds after the Cold War
Recent geopolitical developments, especially after the Russia–Ukraine conflict, have accelerated NATO expansion in Europe.
🔍 Statement-wise Analysis
❌ Austria: Not a NATO member
• Austria follows a policy of permanent neutrality
• Neutrality is embedded in its constitution (since 1955)
• Hence, Austria is not part of NATO
✅ Bulgaria: NATO member
• Joined NATO in 2004
• Part of NATO’s eastward expansion after the Cold War
✅ Croatia: NATO member
• Joined NATO in 2009
• Became a member alongside Albania
❌ Serbia: Not a NATO member
• Serbia maintains military neutrality
• Historical factors include NATO’s role in the 1999 Kosovo conflict
• Serbia is not part of NATO
✅ Sweden: NATO member
• Sweden joined NATO in 2024
• Earlier, Finland joined in 2023
• With this, the entire Nordic region became part of NATO
✅ North Macedonia: NATO member
• Joined NATO in 2020
• Entry followed the resolution of the name dispute with Greece
🧮 Logical Counting (UPSC Style)
NATO members among the given countries:
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Sweden
• North Macedonia
Total = 4 countries
➡️ Correct option: (b) Only four
🎯 Final Answer
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
🔗 Bridge Points (Future Questions)
• NATO vs EU membership
• Neutral countries in Europe (Austria, Switzerland, Ireland)
• Nordic and Baltic security architecture
• Impact of Russia–Ukraine war on global alliances
📍 GS Mapping
GS Paper II
Subject: International Relations
Theme: Global Security Alliances
Nature: Current Affairs + Static Concept