Finally, NATO has served as a platform to promote democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Leaving NATO would weaken the international rules-based order that many Americans have fought and died to protect and leave a void that China and Russia will be eager to fill.
If NATO’s critics are looking for a smoking-gun reason to abandon the alliance, an issue that has seen such dramatic and swift improvement in the past few years alone is a poor contender. In 2011, only five NATO nations met their commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defense. Because of President Trump’s effective advocacy, and the growing awareness of Putin’s hostile intent toward NATO nations, today all 32 NATO member-nations meet that target. And in 2025, members agreed to raise that target to 5% within a decade.
NATO, with the U.S. as its leading partner, has stood firm against dictators and wannabe emperors for decades. The alliance marshalled the free world to out-innovate and outlive the Soviet Union. At its best, NATO can keep that trajectory alive and stand against a volatile Russia and an ascendant China. But that choice is in America’s hands.
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