Perhaps inevitably, the 2024 presidential campaign is quickly becoming a clash of first principles, one that will require repeating basic facts about the world and repudiating lies.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s one such fact: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is among the most successful military alliances in history, securing peace and prosperity across the Western world for nearly 75 years. Destroying it for no reason would be a bad idea. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s regrettable that this reality needs to be defended \u2014 and will surely remain a point of contention across the next nine months of campaigning \u2014 but so it goes. Donald Trump\u2019s recent suggestion that he\u2019d \u201cencourage\u201d Russia to attack NATO countries that fall short of their defense-spending commitments demands to be called out. By openly casting doubt on America\u2019s commitments to its allies, the former president has already damaged the US\u2019s standing. Even more dangerous is that this line could harden into actual policy in the unfortunate event that he succeeds in getting reelected.<\/p>\n
As voters ponder their choices in this election, it\u2019s crucial that they reflect on just how wrong Trump is.<\/p>\n
The first and most essential point is that NATO serves vital US interests as well as those of its friends \u2014 something that Trump implicitly denies. The alliance cements US global leadership, which hugely benefits Americans, and not only in matters of security. As the preeminent global power, the US faces numerous actual and potential adversaries, states and non-state actors alike. Collaborating with allies expands its political influence, boosts trading ties and \u2014 through intensive force alignment, intelligence sharing and joint military operations \u2014 strengthens the country\u2019s ability to respond to transnational threats. Consider NATO\u2019s collective response to the Sept. 11 attacks, its counterterrorism operations in Africa and the Middle East, and more recent efforts to defend against cyberattacks. The US is strong, but not so strong that it doesn\u2019t need friends.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s true that NATO was first conceived as an alliance to defend Western Europe against the Soviet Union. That purpose \u2014 with Russia again intent on regional domination \u2014 remains vital. In turn, this obliges Europe\u2019s governments to play their full part and keep their promises on defense spending. Their failure to fully honor their obligations is a long-running scandal, and Washington should indeed press all NATO members to spend the promised 2% of gross domestic product on defense. In the wake of Vladimir Putin\u2019s war on Ukraine, they\u2019ve lately been ramping up their spending.<\/p>\n
But let\u2019s be clear. Tough negotiating with allies over sharing costs is one thing. Threatening to abrogate the treaty if its members don\u2019t instantly submit to US demands \u2014 going so far as to say that the US would have no objection to Russian aggression \u2014 gravely weakens the alliance\u2019s credibility. The importance of maintaining this asset is hard to overstate. As Putin and other adversaries make their calculations about what they can get away with, America\u2019s perceived willingness to stand with its allies is paramount. If the US is seen to be wavering on its commitments, or even eager to walk away from them, its adversaries will surely be emboldened. In short order, that will leave the US, at home and abroad, weaker and in greater peril.<\/p>\n
Angry responses to Trump\u2019s reckless declarations often serve his purposes. Sometimes, as in this case, they\u2019re necessary anyway. Trump is once again telling voters that he\u2019s unfit for the presidency. They should listen.<\/p>\n
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The Editorial Board publishes the views of the editors across a range of national and global affairs.<\/p>\n
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