What is the purpose of NATO?

NATO’s core purpose is still to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.

In today's security environment, this means tackling a range of threats including terrorism, failed states and WMD (weapons of mass destruction). It also contributes to worldwide peace and security through partnerships with non-NATO countries and crisis management operations.

NATO objectives

• Provide the foundation for stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, based on the growth of democratic institutions and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
• Provide a forum for the US, Canada and Europe to consult on security issues and to take joint action to address them.
• Defend its members against threats and aggression.
• Contribute to effective prevention of conflict and crisis management.
• Promote partnership and co-operation with other countries, with the aim of increasing transparency, confidence and scope for joint action.

The new Strategic Concept

At the November 2010 Summit meeting in Lisbon, NATO leaders adopted a new Strategic Concept that will serve as the Alliance's roadmap for the next ten years and that reconfirms the commitment to defend one another against attack as the bedrock of Euro-Atlantic security.