What is the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?

• A. To promote economic development in developing regions.
• B. To provide collective defense and security for its member states.
• C. To regulate international health standards.
• D. To coordinate climate change agreements.

Answer: (B)

NATO exists to provide collective defense and security for its member states. The alliance was created after World War II to deter aggression and to ensure that an attack on any member would trigger a coordinated response from all members under the principle of collective defense. This core idea—mutual defense through unified military action—guides NATO’s work, including joint military planning, interoperability, and crisis management. The other options describe functions typical of different international bodies (economic development, health standards, climate agreements) and do not capture NATO’s primary purpose, which is security through mutual defense.