The North Atlantic Treaty was signed on April 4, 1949, and established the most influential military alliance in history. Since then, NATO has undergone a series of transformations in order to better meet the political goals of its members. It was founded at the beginning of the Cold War with the aim of preserving cohesion among the countries of the Western world and protecting their values from communist ideology spreading further west. After the victory in the Cold War, the alliance continued to operate and grew into an organization for the preservation of peace, security, human rights and democratic values around the world. Nowadays, NATO is once again facing a turning point when many expect a new transformations. Whether it represents integration or degradation, enlargement or withdrawal remains to be discussed. Croatia found its way by joining the alliance 14 years after winning the Homeland War. NATO membership is a huge success for the Republic of Croatia, which must strive to find its place and fight for development and progress within the Western world to which it belongs. In this task close cooperation with other members of the alliance will be of great benefit.