• Last updated: 10 Feb. 2023 11:02

Thematic Index of NATO Topics

Browse through the thematic overview below or consult the alphabetical index 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, the main policies and principles that guide the Organization, and how 30 countries work together through the principle of consensus decision-making.

Opening up of Alliance membership

Operations and missions

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

Security challenges and capabilities

Read more about today's security challenges and the defence capabilities NATO has developed to tackle them.

Partnership and cooperation

Learn more about how NATO works with a network of 40 non-member countries as well as other organisations to promote security and tackle shared challenges.

Civilian and military structures

See how 30 countries work together through a relatively small number of structures that interact on a daily basis and are bound together by the principle of consensus decision-making.

Wider activities

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

Gender and human security