The Second World War threw up several considerations amongst the committee of nations. The devastation was sight breaking and mind boggling. The war was simply catastrophic; depicting the extent to which mankind can go in self-destructive exercise. It also showcased the massive technological and scientific innovations in weaponry. Scholars are unanimous on the humongous level of destruction the war dealt on Europe. At the end of campaign in 1946, there was the need to rebuild Europe. That was on the one hand. On the other, it was cogent that the rising influence of communism and militarism in Europe powered by the Soviet Bloc was contained. It was a direct challenge to the capitalist free market economy facilitated by the US and democracy. The need to address the multiple challenges that were thrown up in the international political system, especially within Europe following the WW2 resulted in the creation of a couple of organizations, amongst which is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established following the endorsement of the North Atlantic Treaty in April, 1949 by representatives of twelve countries including United Kingdom; Portugal; Luxemburg; Canada; Belgium; France; and Denmark who converged at Washington, District of Columbia, USA. A political cum military body, NATO was ab initio created to respond to security challenges that faced European and North American states sequel to the end of WW2. Its creation came on the heels of US policy of economic and military assistance to countries under the threat of communism encapsulated in the Harry Truman Doctrine of 1947. This was followed by the popular Marshal Plan of 1948 by the US geared towards the rebuilding of Europe. Then there was the Brussels Treaty of 1948 where Belgium; France; Luxemburg; Netherlands; and the UK agreed on collective defense and economic cooperation. Thereafter, the NATO treaty was penned into existence in 1949. Currently, the alliance has expanded having about thirty two member nations across Europe and North America.
NATO has evolved over the years and adapted itself to better address the ever dynamic challenges facing Europe and elsewhere. In this regard, NATO forces have assistance in several global security threats, not just within Europe. Perhaps, the most contemporary is in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Although it has recorded resounding successes, it has also faced severe challenges. The subsisting inability to move beyond addressing Russia aggression; issues around political integration as well as the place of China in global strategic calculations are some cogs hindering the progress of NATO. Perhaps, the most challenging is dwindling US resolve to see to the defense of Europe.
This seeming uncertain disposition of the US towards the defense of Europe has been amplified following the re-election of President Trump. His rhetoric during his first tenure and campaign for his tenure has not reflected much of the desires of the Brussels based alliance. At a point, there were fears that a Trump-led US may withdraw from the group in view of his consistent lash out on members over poor defense budget and spending.
Consequently with the nomination of Mathew Whitaker as Trumps nominee to serve as his governments’ ambassador to NATO, fears are already building within the alliance. Although analysts see Whitaker as a new comer in NATO politics, he is however a close ally of Trump indicating that POTUS may take keen interest on NATO. The nominee, if confirmed already has his plate full, particularly on how to address the Ukraine war. Whatever the case, NATO may need to reposition itself to tackle challenges facing the European continent by itself.
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