A Dangerous Strategy That Distances

Having led seminars on strategy at the National War College, I would have failed any student who produced President Trump’s new National Security Strategy. It is unworthy of a democracy, particularly one that has so successfully allied with other democratic states to bolster collective security and advance shared interests.

Until Trump, America’s security strategy has been remarkably bipartisan, with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) being a core element. Trump’s strategy document mentions NATO three times. First, it recalls the President’s success in committing Allies to spend more on defense —a outcome achieved by bluster and threats. Second, it warns of changing Allied demographics — an unseemly critique of the internal affairs of other democracies. Third, it seeks to block NATO’s future expansion — a Russian priority.

In sum, the document treats NATO haphazardly and disparagingly. No wonder it has been endorsed by the Kremlin. Putin recognizes the importance of NATO, even if Trump does not, and will welcome and encourage any steps to divide and weaken the Alliance.

A sound strategy would recognize the value of NATO to our national security and address the Alliance in three very different ways.

First, it would acknowledge that NATO is for us a major Force Multiplier and Coalition Builder. When the threat or use of military force becomes necessary, NATO is a ready coalition-in-being. Its forces, command structure, and procedures are designed to generate maximum military strength. The United States would not act alone, but in concert with other Allies. In a shooting war, our Allies would put their soldiers’ lives on the line, just as we would, as demonstrated by the thousands of Allied soldiers who died serving alongside our troops in Afghanistan. In a European war, Allied troops would be on the frontlines. A strong NATO is in America’s interest, both politically and militarily.

Second, Credibility Matters as Much as Capability. Trump has cajoled our Allies into increased defense contributions but at serious risk to Alliance unity. A unified Alliance deters future threats, whereas division invites them. Putin’s ambition is to restore a Russian empire and shatter NATO. Putin’s attack on Ukraine unified and enlarged the Alliance. However NATO unity has been put at risk by Trump’s reaction, often seeming to side with Putin over our Allies. If Putin judges that NATO’s will can be broken, or that the US will disengage, he may launch further military aggression, next time against our Allies.

Third, NATO is an Alliance of Democracies based on shared values and interests. Sadly, Trump has undermined many of those values, including the rule of law, free elections, and free speech. We should strengthen our own democracy rather than criticizing those of our Allies. We should also acknowledge and act on the interest we share with NATO Allies in deterring an expansionist Russia. An expansionist power in Europe is not just a European problem, as the strategy suggests. It is also ours, as the history of two World Wars reminds us.

NATO is the world’s most successful Alliance and, with Allies shouldering more of the burden, the most cost-effective way to contain a resurgent Russia and commit every Ally to that task. We should reinforce success and not undermine it. A strong NATO is in American interests and should play an essential role in any sound national security strategy.

Instead, Trump effectively distances himself from the Alliance and our democratic allies in Europe, while minimizing the real and demonstrable threat from states like Russia and China. Authoritarian leaders like Putin and Xi seem more attractive to a President with his own authoritarian bent. Cozying up to these leaders while jettisoning longtime Allies is not a sound strategy for our nation’s security.

Ambassador (retired) Gregory L. Schulte had a 34-year career of public service including as U.S. representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the National Security Council staff at the White House, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and on the International Staff at NATO Headquarters. He ended his career teaching strategy at the National War College. He is a member of The Steady State.

Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 360 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the preservation of America’s national security institutions.