North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an international organization including states in North America and Europe. Its overall purpose is to protect the freedom and security of its member states through political and military collaboration. NATO provides member states with a forum for discussions, and all members have equal say with decision making taken by consensus. Since its foundation in 1949, NATO has transformed to adapt to a changing world order. This has led the organization not only to survive, but also to prevail with broadened numbers of member states and deepened collaboration in new policies and geographical areas around the world. This entry provides an overview of NATO as a political and military alliance, and a description of its founding structures, member states, ...