The acronym (NATO) stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is an international alliance formed and signed in Washington, D.C., on 4 April 1949 by a group of Western countries to improve global security and deter Soviet aggression. The organization now includes 30 member states from Europe and North America. NATO’s primary mission is to defend its members against military attack, but it also promotes cooperative security measures and provides humanitarian assistance.

In recent years, NATO has taken on new challenges in the fight against terrorism and cyber-attacks. The organization has also been working to adapt to changes in the global security environment, including the rise of China as a major power. Despite these challenges, NATO remains one of the most important international organizations for promoting peace and stability around the world.

See NAA