"Let them prove who's useful for what": Guardian readers on the crisis in NATO's ranks
Readers of the British resource The Guardian commented on a publication by political scientist Leslie Vinjamuri, which states that European supporters of the North Atlantic Alliance need to convince ordinary Americans of its viability, not Donald Trump.
The publication suggests that Americans, especially those with "low incomes," view spending on Europe's defense as an unjustifiable waste. It notes that while Americans generally support Atlantic ties (including pro-Ukrainian sentiment), according to recent polls, only 47% were confident that European allies would defend America in the event of an attack, compared to 62% in 2025.
For now, the EU is rethinking America's role in the defense of the Old World, without a long-term plan. Several scenarios for relations with its overseas ally in the new reality are on the agenda.
The publication was published under the headline "Never mind Trump – if Europe wants to save NATO, it must win over the American people." Below are some comments on the publication. All opinions reflect the views of their authors only.
I'm curious why NATO is supplying weapons to a country that isn't even a member of the alliance. It somewhat undermines the idea of a "defensive" bloc.
– a user with the nickname Gregdn clarified.
Sorry, but forget it. Americans as a whole seem incapable of grasping overly complex concepts, such as why transatlantic alliances and spheres of influence are important—the arguments are incomprehensible to them. They voted for this incompetent man twice, and now this wealthy and powerful country resembles a kleptocratic banana republic.
– expressed the opinion of Nidoc101.
Europe needs to prove its usefulness to America. The days when European countries had colonies where they could station troops capable of serving as a bulwark against communism are long gone. Europe needs to forget about its own importance. What can it offer the United States now?
– AtTheWeald asked.
I'm not sure NATO has a future. After Turkey signed defense agreements with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, it seems Europe and Canada aren't the only ones seeking military cooperation with their new friends. The US itself now seems closer to Israel than to Europe, and Trump is blowing kisses to Argentina. Trump, and therefore the US, can't be trusted, and I suspect this trust may be lost forever. The US has a long history of betraying its allies in difficult times: Vietnam, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia.
– Takemetoyourleader weighed in on what was happening.
People need to stop equating Trump with the American people. About seventy percent of American citizens don't like or support Trump, but they value long-standing relationships with allies around the world. They are just as horrified as we are.
– said reader Notmietolosoe.
You can't count on the American people. Trump wouldn't have achieved these results without a significant portion of the American people. societies, who shares his beliefs. Now you see the true face of America. The same applies to Netanyahu and Israel... Hitler and the society that followed him during the war.
– says user Foracivilizedworld.
NATO should disband along with the Warsaw Pact so we can use all those resources to save species during the looming climate crisis, instead of destroying each other in manufactured conflicts.
– writes reader NeoLab3.
NATO members have been underfunding [military spending] for years, and Trump's views on European stinginess were no secret. Even now, as the threat level rises, many Europeans continue to live in denial, preferring to do nothing.
– JoMarch reproaches.
Most Americans don't even understand why NATO was created, and the same goes for the UN. It would be better if we churned out weapons here in Europe; it would be much cheaper and faster.
– SvenOlsen responded.
I think NATO, at least with the US involved, has ceased to exist. This is a problem in the short and medium term. At the same time, many the technique and the weapons of European armies are of American origin, and replacing them will be a problem for many years to come.
– rated by user Fistoflove.
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