December 12, 2016
We need to talk about NATO
Dear NATO and European ministers of defense,
I know you’re worried. You’re worried that the United States is about to have a commander in chief who has called the NATO alliance “obsolete.” You’re worried by Donald Trump’s campaign promise to defend NATO allies only if they meet their “obligations.” If you’re not spending the recommend 2 percent of GDP on defense, in other words, America’s next president may not meet our Article 5 commitments to defend you. And you’re worried about what Trump’s ever -amous “America First” slogan will mean in practice.
Don’t panic. Instead, use the coming weeks to put together a plan, both individually and collectively. That plan should have three core objectives: lay out the facts, get your house in order, and prepare for 2017’s NATO Summit in Brussels.
Read the full article at Politico.
More from CNAS
-
Reimagining the Eastern Partnership: It is time for the European Union to embrace the Associated Trio
Commentary
The European Union must fully embrace the Associated Trio if it wishes to achieve its strategic goals in its eastern neighbourhood....
By Nicholas Lokker
-
The Trade and Technology Council, with Tyson Barker and Frances Burwell
Podcast
What are the key takeaways from the first meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council? Tyson Barker and Frances Burwell join Carisa Nietsche and Jim Townsend to discus...
By Carisa Nietsche, Jim Townsend, Tyson Barker & Frances Burwell
-
The Myth of Russian Decline: Why Moscow Will Be a Persistent Power
Commentary
Rather than viewing Russia as a declining power, U.S. leaders should see it as a persistent one—and have a frank conversation about the country’s true capabilities and vulnera...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Michael Kofman
-
The Czech Elections, with Martin Hála and Martina Hrvolova
Podcast
What do the recent elections in the Czech Republic mean for the future of the country? Martin Hála and Martina Hrvolova join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss ...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Jim Townsend, Martin Hála & Martina Hrvolova
