What does the abbreviation "NATO" stand for?

The abbreviation "NATO" stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This organization is a political and military alliance established in 1949, primarily for mutual defense among its member countries in Europe and North America. The alliance was created in response to the geopolitical tensions following World War II, particularly to counter the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The founding document is the North Atlantic Treaty, which emphasizes collective defense, meaning an attack against one member is considered an attack against all.

The other options refer to terms that are not recognized entities or agreements; thus, they do not accurately represent NATO's identity or function. Focusing on the correct terminology is important for understanding military alliances and strategic cooperation among nations.