The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an alliance between 28 independent countries. It was created in 1949 after the Second World War. The initial goals were to stop the spread of Soviet communism and to provide collective security for its members. As part of a union, NATO members have agreed to assist other members when they are attacked. This happened after September 11, 2001. NATO responded quickly and assisted the U.S. in the war in Afghanistan.
Since its founding, NATO has conducted several joint operations in regions where serious conflict has occurred. A relatively recent involvement took place in the Balkans. By the 1990s, tensions between various ethnic rivalries had grown to the point where the regional peace was threatened. Full-scale conflict broke out during the War in Bosnia in 1992. In response, NATO conducted air strikes and bombing campaigns that eventually ended the war.
During the Kosovo War, which began in 1998, NATO conducted a two-year long military campaign in the area. The objective this time was to protect the Albanian citizens in Kosovo. Some view the Kosovo War as a humanitarian war because of the crimes committed against the Albanian people. During this decade, NATO also led several multinational peacekeeping forces in the region. The goals of these missions included implementing civilian programs and strengthening the central government.
How is the term regional peace defined in the passage?
A.
peace and stability across political boundaries
B.
peace that results from military action
C.
peace that is brief and fragile
D.
peace throughout the world