Center for American Progress

Nato is not braindead. But it does need a shot of adrenaline
In the News

Nato is not braindead. But it does need a shot of adrenaline

In light of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent clash with NATO leaders, author Michael Fuchs explains the alliance's importance in defending democracy abroad—and how it can be strengthened to better achieve those ends.

Donald Trump threw a tantrum at the Nato summit and packed up his toys and left the party early. Another multilateral summit with democratic allies, another embarrassment for Trump and the country he’s supposed to lead. Sigh.

Nato is facing a crisis sparked by Trump. The leader of Nato’s most important member regularly criticizes the alliance. He acts as though Nato countries owe the United States money as part of a protection racket, revealing a lack of understanding of the value of the alliance and how Nato works (countries don’t pay one another). He praises the leader of Russia – Nato’s biggest adversary – and asked for Russia’s help to win his campaign in 2016. He abruptly pulled US forces out of Syria with no coordination with Nato, despite the potentially major implications for European security.

The above excerpt was originally published in The Guardian. Click here to view the full article.

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Authors

Michael Fuchs

Senior Fellow