Answer:
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established to protect the western European states and the Democratic system of governance against the rising influence from the Soviet Union and the communism.
USA was the leading member and one of the founding members of the NATO. This, effectively made the USA the leader of the "free world" and gave them the upper hand against the Soviet influence in Europe and out of the Europe.
Moreover, the combined military strength of the NATO made in the most powerful military organization in the world.
Step-by-step explanation: