Purpose: The means by which the Alliance carries out its security policies include the maintenance of a sufficient military capability to prevent war and to provide for effective defense; an overall capability to manage crises affecting the security of its members; and active promotion of dialogue with other nations and of a cooperative approach to European security, including measures to bring about further progress in the field of arms control and disarmament.

Date of Origin: April 4, 1949

Original Membership: 12 countries

Current Membership: 19 Member countries

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Recent Participations: NATO has been actively involved with the conflicts in the Balkans for the past years, especially recently during the conflict in Kosovo when NATO launched an air raid against Serbia's army. More can be read about this conflict and NATO's participation with Yugoslavia.