What was one of the founding principles of NATO?

One of the founding principles of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is collective defense, established by the principle that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all. This principle is enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which states that members are committed to mutual defense, thereby creating a sense of security and unity among the member countries. The idea behind collective defense is to deter aggression from outside powers and ensure that allies can rely on each other for military support if needed. This fosters a stronger alliance and encourages cooperative security measures among the nations involved.

While options such as economic cooperation, political diplomacy, and cultural exchange are significant aspects of international relations, they do not capture the fundamental military commitment that defines NATO's purpose. Collective defense remains the cornerstone of NATO's mission, reflecting its primary objective to ensure peace and security among its members through mutual protection.