Seventy-five years ago, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, commonly known as NATO, was established in Washington, D.C., under the guidance of President Harry Truman and a group of committed global leaders. This anniversary is a significant celebration for the alliance and for President Joe Biden, who is currently contending with political challenges, while NATO leaders are apprehensive about the prospect of another Donald Trump administration.
NATO remembers nearly losing its key partner, the United States, when then-President Trump considered withdrawing from the alliance. In light of the possibility of Trump’s return, alliance policymakers have shifted control of significant military aid elements to Ukraine from U.S. command to NATO’s jurisdiction.
NATO has appointed a new secretary general known for adeptly handling Trump’s unpredictable stance on the alliance. They are establishing decade-long defense commitments with Ukraine to shield military aid to Kyiv from political fluctuations. Additionally, they are increasing their defense spending, which has been Trump’s primary point of contention regarding NATO.
They are also wary of the recent elections in France and England, uncertain of their stance on NATO following gains by left and far-right parties, and with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition weakened by a poor performance in the European Parliament elections.
Undoubtedly, there is an intense focus on Biden as calls within his party for him to step aside grow. Meanwhile, the delegates are set to tackle a packed agenda, concentrating on military and financial aid for Ukraine and discussing a potential pathway to NATO membership for Kyiv.
When questioned about the political ramifications while the summit progresses, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg dismissed the concerns, stating, “It appears that every significant meeting these days is held within a domestic political context.” He then finalized his statement with, “What I am able to do, and what NATO is able to do, is to concentrate on the essence of NATO. And that is precisely what we are going to do.”
While NATO may prefer a Biden victory, they are cognizant of the strong possibility of Trump’s return to the White House. The idea of a second term for Trump is concerning to many of NATO’s 32 member nations due to his consistent critique of the alliance, both during and after his presidency. Trump has intimated that he might overlook Article 5 of the NATO doctrine that an attack on one is an attack on us all.
Ironically, Article 5 was invoked solely on behalf of the U.S. following the 9/11 attacks, when NATO troops fought and perished alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan. Trump has expressed disapproval of Article 5, suggesting that the U.S. might not defend members who fail to meet the 2% GDP defense spending threshold and has also raised doubts about supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The focus is not on Biden or Trump concerning Ukraine; rather, NATO leaders are expected to approve an initiative that will allow the alliance to coordinate arms supplies and training for Ukrainian forces fighting Russia’s invasion. U.S. officials have indicated that Ukraine may receive “good news” at the summit regarding its request for additional Patriot air defense systems.
Additionally, some members have signed bilateral agreements with Ukraine and are poised to discuss these commitments as a show of unity, diplomats say. Ultimately, Ukraine seeks NATO membership to protect against future Russian aggression, but admission requires unanimous approval from all 32 alliance members, some of whom are cautious about triggering a direct conflict with Russia.
NATO has endured for 75 years, and there is optimism that it can continue for another 75, despite the challenges posed by Ukraine and political issues. NATO was established to prevent conflict, but it is also prepared to engage in combat if diplomacy fails. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
