The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed in the year 1949 following a Transatlantic treaty signed by its 12 founding members, with the initial goal of fostering allyship and defense against the Soviet Union. This marked the first time that the United States had entered a peacetime military alliance with the Eastern Hemisphere. Today, NATO consists of 32 member countries - 30 in Europe and 2 in North America. Over time, NATO’s purpose has expanded beyond defending against the Soviet Union, to now protecting the security and freedoms of its countries through both diplomatic and military efforts. Politically, NATO promotes democratic values and prioritizes the peaceful reconciliation of disputes, resorting to military action only when necessary.