North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a defensive alliance of 32 countries in Europe and North America, founded on the North Atlantic Treaty signed on 4 April 1949. Its stated purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members and their citizens through political cooperation and collective defence. The organisation's work rests on the treaty framework agreed among its member states, and its activity spans both political consultation and defence matters across the two continents.

NATO operates as an intergovernmental alliance. Decision-making turns on consultation, coordination and consensus among member states, which places a premium on negotiation and on a shared understanding of the obligations and procedures agreed under the North Atlantic Treaty. This intergovernmental character shapes the working environment: positions are developed in relation to the interests and legal commitments of 32 sovereign members, rather than to a single national or corporate agenda.

The alliance is mission-driven, oriented around common security challenges and the principle of collective defence. Roles within it are tied to this mandate. Further information on the organisation and its structures is available at https://www.nato.int/.