What does NATO stand for?

NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which was established in 1949 as a collective defense alliance among its member countries. This organization was created in response to the growing tensions and military threats from the Soviet Union during the early stages of the Cold War. The purpose of NATO is to ensure mutual defense, where an attack against one member is considered an attack against all members, thereby promoting stability and security in the North Atlantic area. This fundamental principle played a significant role in shaping global politics during the Cold War and continues to influence international relations to this day. The other options do not accurately represent the full name or the purpose of the organization, thus highlighting why the correct answer is crucial for understanding NATO's role in history.