7. What is the purpose of NATO?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance established in 1949 with several key purposes: 1. **Collective Defense**: The primary purpose of NATO is to ensure the collective defense of its member states. According to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, an armed attack against one or more members is considered an attack against all, obligating member countries to respond collectively. 2. **Crisis Management**: NATO plays a role in crisis management and conflict resolution, often through military and civilian operations aimed at maintaining peace and security in various regions. 3. **Cooperative Security**: NATO promotes cooperative security through partnerships with non-member countries and international organizations. This includes joint exercises, training, and collaboration on security issues. 4. **Deterrence**: By maintaining a credible military presence and capabilities, NATO aims to deter potential aggressors from attacking member states. 5. **Political Consultation**: NATO serves as a forum for political consultation among its members on security issues, allowing for coordinated responses to emerging threats. 6. **Promoting Democratic Values**: NATO encourages democratic governance and the rule of law among its members and partners, contributing to stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Overall, NATO's purpose is to ensure the security and defense of its member states while promoting stability and peace in the broader international community.