What was the World Bank created to address?

The World Bank was established primarily to promote economic development and reduce poverty on a global scale. Founded in 1944, its main objectives are to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, enabling them to implement projects that can improve their economic prospects and overall quality of life.

The focus on economic development encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including infrastructure projects, health care, education, and access to clean water. By addressing these critical sectors, the World Bank aims to support sustainable economic growth and foster long-term improvements in living standards, thereby reducing poverty.

The other options reflect significant global issues but do not align with the World Bank's core mission. Military cooperation and defense, international trade regulations, and human rights violations fall under different institutional frameworks and organizations that focus on security, trade policy, and human rights advocacy, respectively. Thus, the World Bank's specific mandate is centered on economic development and poverty alleviation.