North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO/OTAN)

Organisation du Traité de l'Atlantique Nord

Established: September 17, 1949, by action of the North Atlantic Council pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty signed on April 4, 1949, in Washington, D.C., and effective as of August 24, 1949.

Purpose: To provide a system of collective defense in the event of armed attack against any member by means of a policy based on the principles of credible deterrence and genuine détente; to work toward a constructive East-West relationship through dialogue and mutually advantageous cooperation, including efforts to reach agreement on militarily significant, equitable, and verifiable arms reduction; to cooperate within the alliance in economic, scientific, cultural, and other areas; and to promote human rights and international peace and stability.

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

Principal Organs: North Atlantic Council (all members), Defense ...