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Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

What is NATO?

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, is a military alliance of 32 countries from Europe and North America. Its core principle is collective defence, meaning an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This story highlights NATO's role in protecting its members' airspace, with jets from Turkey, a NATO member, responding to the drone incursions near Estonia and Latvia, also NATO members.

Stories that explain this

UK pledges ironclad commitment to Germany after Russia blamed for attempted drone attack Macron: UK and France share 'vital' responsibility for Europe's future UK and Norway PMs wear football shirts before World Cup clash

Questions this opens up

Who leads NATO? Why was NATO formed? Which countries are in NATO?

Related explainers

Why would NATO attack inside Russia? Why is Ukraine not in NATO? What is BILD? Why are Channel boats an issue? What is the conflict? Who is the current leader? What is a drone? What is a drone attack?

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