The announcement in 2017 that Colombia was to become a NATO “global partner” came as a surprise to many. In a nation where discussions often revolve around combatting armed groups and drug cartels, the move was perplexing to some. Was Colombia joining the ranks of NATO member states? Were Colombian troops about to be deployed in foreign conflicts? Would NATO countries come to Colombia’s aid in case of war? These questions captured the imagination of the Colombian public, raising concerns about the implications of the partnership.
For much of Latin America, the idea of forging closer ties with global powers, particularly the United States, has always been a point of contention. Many Latin American nations have historically sought to reduce their dependence on Washington, with regional unity taking center stage. The left-wing governments of the early 2000s, part of the so-called “pink tide,” attempted to counterbalance U.S. influence through regional initiatives such as the South American Nations Union (UNASUR). Colombia, while reluctant to join such efforts at first, remained a steadfast ally of the U.S. under both conservative and liberal administrations. Against this backdrop, Colombia’s decision to partner with NATO was seen by some as an alignment with Western powers, potentially undermining the pursuit of Latin American unity.
However, this view oversimplifies the nature of NATO partnerships, especially for countries like Colombia. A “global partner” status with NATO is not a commitment to military intervention or collective defense; rather, it is an opportunity for a country to engage with the Alliance based on its own security needs, without compromising its sovereignty. For Colombia, this partnership has proven to be a strategic move, enhancing its defense capabilities and contributing to regional stability without undermining its independence or foreign policy priorities.
Colombia’s desire to engage with NATO was not a sudden development. The journey towards a partnership began in 2013 when the country signed the Agreement on Cooperation and Security of Information. This agreement marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration between Colombia and NATO, although mutual interest had existed since the early 2000s. Colombian military leaders, having maintained close ties with the U.S. military for years, recognized NATO as a valuable partner for modernizing their forces and gaining new expertise.
During the presidency of Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010), the idea of strengthening ties with NATO gained momentum, as Colombia’s military leaders saw NATO as a potential avenue for improving their capabilities. The official push for NATO collaboration came during the administration of Juan Manuel Santos (2010-2018), who sought to project Colombia as a global player politically and economically. By this time, Colombia had made significant strides in combating insurgents and was nearing a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Santos believed that aligning with NATO could help Colombia build on its successes in irregular warfare and contribute to global peace and security.
In 2017, the partnership formally took shape when Colombia was granted the status of NATO’s first “global partner” in Latin America. This status conferred a range of benefits, including access to NATO’s vast training resources, participation in military exercises, and the opportunity to share Colombia’s expertise in irregular warfare and counterinsurgency with NATO members.
For Colombia, being a NATO global partner offers several advantages, most notably in terms of military modernization, training, and interoperability. By participating in NATO’s Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP), Colombia has been able to enhance its defense sector and strengthen its institutions. The partnership focuses on specific areas that align with Colombia’s security objectives, including counterterrorism, crisis management, and military interoperability.
However, it’s important to note that the global partnership does not obligate Colombia to defend NATO member states, nor does it require NATO countries to come to Colombia’s aid in the event of a conflict. Rather, the partnership allows for collaboration based on shared security goals. NATO’s global partners, including Colombia, have the freedom to determine the terms of their cooperation with NATO, without being bound by the obligations that come with full NATO membership.
The Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), signed in 2021, represents the most recent phase of Colombia-NATO cooperation. This framework organizes the partnership in a goal-oriented way, addressing specific areas such as counterterrorism, military interoperability, cyber defense, and crisis management. Through this program, Colombia benefits from NATO’s expertise in various areas, while also contributing its own knowledge and experiences to the alliance.
Some of the primary objectives of the ITPP include:
Defending shared democratic values: NATO and Colombia both prioritize democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, which forms the basis of their collaboration. Despite the challenges Colombia has faced in its journey to solidify democratic institutions, both parties share a commitment to upholding these values in the face of rising global threats to democracy.
Professionalizing Colombia’s military forces: Colombia’s military has gained significant experience in irregular warfare over the years, but it has also faced challenges related to corruption and human rights violations. NATO’s partnership provides an opportunity for Colombia to professionalize its armed forces and improve military standards by learning from NATO’s best practices in areas like training, ethics, and governance.
Supporting international law and order: Colombia has long been a proponent of an international system based on the rule of law, and the NATO partnership further reinforces this commitment. By collaborating with NATO, Colombia contributes to a global security architecture that emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, legal frameworks, and multilateral cooperation.
Incorporating gender perspectives in defense: Gender equality and the protection of human rights are key areas of focus in NATO’s collaboration with Colombia. The Colombian military, like many others, has faced criticism for its patriarchal structure and its historical record of human rights violations. The partnership with NATO includes a focus on integrating gender perspectives into military operations and improving the protection of human rights within the defense sector.
One of the key benefits of Colombia’s partnership with NATO has been the emphasis on improving transparency and addressing corruption within the military. The NATO Building Integrity (BI) Program, which Colombia has actively participated in, provides a framework for assessing and improving governance and transparency in defense institutions. Through this process, Colombia has made significant strides in creating more accountable military institutions and reducing corruption.
In addition to the BI program, NATO has supported Colombia’s efforts to enhance its cyber defense capabilities, an increasingly important area in contemporary warfare. Through training, education, and participation in NATO-led exercises, Colombian military officers have gained valuable experience in cyber defense and other emerging security threats.
The partnership between Colombia and NATO has been mutually beneficial, with both parties gaining valuable insights and expertise from one another. For Colombia, the partnership offers an opportunity to modernize its military, improve governance, and contribute to global security efforts. For NATO, Colombia’s experience in counterinsurgency, demining, and counterdrug operations provides valuable lessons that can be applied to other conflict zones around the world.
Moreover, Colombia’s partnership with NATO underscores the growing importance of Latin America in global security dynamics. As global threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime continue to evolve, countries like Colombia play a critical role in addressing these challenges. By deepening its ties with NATO, Colombia strengthens its position as a key player in the global security landscape, while maintaining the freedom to pursue its own foreign policy objectives.
In conclusion, Colombia’s NATO partnership is a testament to the country’s strategic foresight and commitment to improving its security capabilities. While the partnership does not change Colombia’s sovereignty or foreign policy priorities, it offers significant opportunities for military modernization, capacity building, and international collaboration. As Colombia continues to evolve as a global partner, its role in NATO’s broader security framework will likely expand, contributing to both regional stability and global peace efforts.
