What is the primary purpose of NATO?

The primary purpose of NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is to serve as a military alliance where member countries agree to come to the aid of one another in the event of an attack. This principle is enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more members shall be considered an attack against all. This collective defense commitment was established in the aftermath of World War II, during a time of rising tensions in the face of the Soviet threat, to ensure mutual safety and security.

While trade promotion, cultural exchange, and military technology sharing are important aspects of international relations, they do not capture the core mission of NATO, which is fundamentally a military alliance aimed at collective defense. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the essence of NATO's founding principles and its ongoing strategic purpose.