What does NATO Article 5 commit member states to do?

NATO Article 5 serves as the cornerstone of the alliance's collective defense principle, which states that an armed attack against one or more member states is considered an attack against all member states. This commitment to collective defense creates a unifying bond among NATO members, ensuring that any act of aggression towards one member can trigger a coordinated response from all.

The provision exemplifies the alliance's foundational purpose: to deter aggression and provide a security guarantee to its members, thus fostering stability and peace in the North Atlantic area. This commitment has significant historical importance, as it was invoked for the first and only time after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, showcasing the seriousness with which NATO members view this obligation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the intent and content of Article 5. Economic aid, military strategy development, and restrictions on military presence are not encompassed within the commitments outlined in Article 5. Instead, they pertain to broader NATO initiatives or operational policies, which do not directly relate to the collective defense mandate that Article 5 embodies.