The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, commonly known as NATO, is a military alliance established in 1949. It was created to provide collective defense against aggression, primarily in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Member countries agree that an attack on one is an attack on all, fostering a sense of security among its members. Today, NATO consists of 30 member countries from North America and Europe. It plays a crucial role in crisis management, cooperative security, and promoting democratic values. NATO continues to adapt to new security challenges, including terrorism and cyber threats.