SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization)

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was a regional defense alliance formed in 1954 to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, particularly during the Cold War. Comprising countries like the United States, Australia, and Thailand, SEATO aimed to promote collective security against potential threats. However, it struggled with unity and effectiveness, as not all Southeast Asian nations joined, and it eventually dissolved in 1977. SEATO is significant for its role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in Asia and highlighting the complexities of international alliances during a tense geopolitical era.