What type of organization is NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)?

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is characterized as an intergovernmental military alliance, which means it is a cooperative agreement between multiple sovereign states to achieve specific defense and military objectives. This type of organization is established through treaties, and member countries commit to mutual defense in response to an attack, as outlined in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.

NATO operates by facilitating collaboration among its member states on military and security matters. This includes joint exercises, sharing of intelligence, and strategic planning. Intergovernmental alliances are distinguished from other types of organizations, such as non-governmental organizations, which do not have governmental authority; economic unions, which focus on economic policies and trade; and cultural organizations, which aim to promote cultural understanding or heritage. Thus, the nature of NATO as a formal military alliance emphasizes its intergovernmental characteristics, where national sovereignty can be aligned but not completely surrendered in pursuit of mutual defense.