NATO

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an intergovernmental military alliance established on April 4, 1949. It was formed primarily for collective defense against aggression, ensuring mutual security among its member states through a system of collective defense as specified in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. This means that an armed attack against one or more of its members is considered an attack against them all, prompting a collective response. NATO’s primary purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. The organization promotes democratic values and facilitates practical cooperation on defense and security-related issues. It currently includes 31 member countries, primarily from North America and Europe, and focuses on crisis management, cooperative security, and deterrence against potential threats.