The aim of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949, is to ensure collective defense among its member countries against aggression. Formed amid the tensions of the Cold War, NATO's primary purpose is to provide military support and security cooperation to deter potential threats, primarily from the Soviet Union at the time. The principle of collective defense is encapsulated in Article 5, stating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Over the decades, NATO has evolved to address new security challenges, including terrorism and cyber threats, while promoting democratic values and cooperation among its member states.