NATO decision-making: Is the “consensus rule” still fit for purpose?

With limited exceptions, the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty does not specify how Alliance decisions are to be made. Absent any voting procedure, NATO has developed a set of practices known as its “consensus rule,” which is not mentioned in the Treaty but nevertheless has become a core part of NATO’s culture and day-to day functions. The rule is intended to produce general agreement among all Allies on positions or actions taken in the name of NATO. Understanding how the rule works is key to assessing its power to facilitate or constrain pragmatic and timely decision-making. In 2003, some US senators proposed to eliminate the rule following a dispute among the Allies over the war in Iraq. But cooler heads prevailed, and NATO has moved to reduce the risk of such disputes in the future. Theoretical options exist to change the consensus rule, especially for decision-making regarding operations. But no Ally will agree fundamentally to change the rule in a manner deemed contrary to its interests.