Final answer:
A mutual protection association, according to Nozick, is a collective formed by individuals for the purpose of providing security and protection services. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Nozick, a mutual protection association is C. a collective providing security and protection services.
These associations are formed when individuals band together to protect their rights and properties, as they have mutually beneficial interests in providing security against force, theft, fraud, enforcement of contracts, and more.
In Nozick's theory of a minimal state, such associations play a crucial role as they represent a naturally arising structure from a state of anarchy as people seek to protect their holdings in a Lockean state of nature. The correct option is C.