ieExplains: What is Nato, and is Ireland a member?

Nato faces fresh scrutiny after Poland’s airspace was breached by Russian drones, raising questions about security, neutrality, and Ireland’s role

Finnish military personnel install the Finnish national flag at the Nato headquarters in Brussels, on April 4, 2023. Picture: JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

What is Nato?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) is a military alliance that provides collective security for its members.