Last updated: 18 Feb. 2025 16:34

Thematic Index of NATO Topics

Browse through the thematic overview below or consult the full alphabetical index of NATO topics for background information on the Alliance, its policies, activities and structures.

Introduction to NATO

Understand how and why NATO was created, its fundamental security tasks, and the main policies and principles that guide the Organization.

NATO’s core tasks

NATO enlargement

Policy and decision-making

Financial resources and transparency

Operations and missions

Get a comprehensive overview of NATO-led operations and missions, past and present, large and small.

Current operations and missions

Past operations and missions

Troop contributions

Deterrence and defence

Read more about today's security challenges and the defence capabilities that NATO develops and maintains to tackle them.

Deterrence and defence

NATO’s military posture

Capability development, exercises and training

Integrated Air and Missile Defence

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Transportation and logistics

Technology and innovation

Space

Hybrid threats and terrorism

Partnerships and cooperation

Learn more about how NATO works with a vast network of non-member countries and other organisations to promote security and tackle shared challenges.

NATO’s partnerships

Frameworks and tools

Relations with partner countries

Relations with international organisations

Civilian and military structures

See how NATO Allies – bound together by the principle of consensus decision-making – work together through a relatively small number of structures that interact on a daily basis.

Civilian functions

Military organisation and functions

Principal organisations and agencies

Wider activities

Discover other areas in which NATO is involved, such as arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation; gender and human security; public diplomacy; science, technology and climate change.