NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 countries
Real World Example
NATO, formed in 1949, was a response to the tensions of the Cold War, particularly the threat of Soviet expansion in Europe. It was important because it united Western countries in a promise to protect each other if one was attacked, promoting collective security and deterring aggression. This alliance helped maintain peace in Europe and reassured member countries during troubled times. Today, NATO still matters because it continues to provide a sense of security against modern threats like terrorism and cyber-attacks. For example, if a NATO member country is affected by a natural disaster, other members can quickly provide humanitarian aid, showing how international cooperation impacts lives directly.
