Dozens of military, political and defence alliances have emerged throughout mankind's history, and especially in the twentieth century. Some of them have operated on a regional scale; others have set themselves strategic objectives and global missions. Undoubtedly, though, the Atlantic Alliance, established exactly half a century ago, has been the most successful, the firmest and the most promising of all these alliances in the history of man. This Alliance has proved to be one of those fortunate human creations which, having stood the tests and trials of time, enjoys recognition and marks its triumph almost daily.