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NATO’s collective defense holds – but uncertainty under Trump lingers

33 0
10.07.2025

In the fragile geopolitical balance of the post-Cold War era, NATO has remained the cornerstone of collective security for the transatlantic community. Its foundation rests on Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which enshrines the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all. While this commitment has held firm through numerous crises, it has never been as scrutinized or tested as during the tumultuous years of Donald Trump’s presidency – and now, with his return to the White House, it stands at another precarious crossroads.

When Trump first entered office in 2016, he repeatedly expressed disdain for NATO, at one point even calling it “obsolete.” He lambasted European allies for their insufficient military spending and hinted at withdrawing US support unless these nations paid what he saw as their “fair share.” These statements sent shockwaves through European capitals and raised serious concerns about whether the United States, NATO’s largest and most powerful member, would continue to honor its Article 5 commitments.

In stark contrast, President Joe Biden’s administration prioritized repairing alliances frayed during Trump’s first term. One of Biden’s earliest foreign policy gestures was to reassure NATO members of America’s unwavering commitment to the alliance. His words at the 2021 NATO summit – “America is back” – resonated deeply with leaders still shaken by the unpredictability of his predecessor.

But the political pendulum has swung once again. With Trump’s return to the presidency, NATO finds itself navigating a delicate and complex relationship with Washington, one marked by caution, transactional diplomacy, and strategic appeasement. The mood among European leaders ahead of NATO summits has shifted from unity and resolve to anxiety and apprehension.

This apprehension was most visibly demonstrated in the actions of NATO Secretary-General........

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