NATO

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an intergovernmental military alliance established on April 4, 1949. Its primary purpose is to ensure collective defense and security among member countries, primarily located in North America and Europe. NATO was founded in response to the threats posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, promoting democratic values and enabling members to consult and cooperate on defense-related matters to respond to any attack against a member state. The principle of collective defense is enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty, stating that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all. NATO has evolved over the years to address new security challenges, including terrorism and cyber threats, and conducts various operations and missions globally to maintain peace and stability. As of now, NATO comprises 31 member countries, with the organization’s headquarters located in Brussels, Belgium.