Donald Trump previously announced that he wants a potential divorce from NATO, which has recently been backed by Elon Musk and republican senators. They mention that the deal is good for Europe, but not for the America, potentially turning their backs on traditional allies.
After World War Two, West European countries joined the US and Canada to set up Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to counter the then-Soviet Union. President Truman and Secretary Acheson signed the Instrument of Accession, making the United States a founding member of NATO. The alliance’s famous Article 5 holds that Nato members will come to the defence of an ally which comes under attack.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg responded saying that Trump is threatening the security of the entire trans-Atlantic alliance: “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk”.
Source: NATO.int
If the US leaves NATO, then the US are not likely to maintain a presence in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East and many countries may move closer to Russia or China. It would also mean that the US will potentially lose access to open markets and face sanctions.
This is an alarming message, especially in relation to the war in Ukraine, with Trump openly supporting Russia. Trump has also previously suggested building closer links with Russia as a tool against China. Any conflict between these superpowers could result in a nuclear exchange.
Source: BBC.com; The Independent.
