Historical treaties significantly impact contemporary politics by establishing legal frameworks and relationships between nations. Treaties can define borders, outline trade agreements, and dictate military alliances, laying the groundwork for current political dynamics. For instance, the Treaty of Versailles influenced post-World War I geopolitics, while the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continues to shape security policies today. Treaties can be both a source of conflict and cooperation, as unresolved issues from earlier agreements may resurface, influencing diplomatic relations and policy decisions in the modern era.