NATO to US Foreign Policy

Adeline Tavarez

American Foreign Policy

Professor Shirk

March 16, 2018

How important is NATO to US Foreign Policy/National Interest?

Back when NATO was established in 1949, it had one purpose: to protect Western Europe from a Soviet invasion. However, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, many have questioned the US’s role in NATO. Many support the US in NATO, because of Article 5. According to Article 5, collective defense, it states “an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.” This statement basically outlines, that if there is an attack on any of the 29 members in NATO, it should be considered an attack on all 29 members. So, in that instance, wouldn’t that be beneficial to the US? Yet, many opponents to US involvement claim that the only time Article 5 has been in effect was after the 9/11 terror attacks and the war in Afghanistan.  

However, since then, NATO has deployed many more troops into Afghanistan in aid to the US. This is despite the fact that NATO typically does not engage in military operations, nor extend from their European region. Additionally, NATO is making efforts to grow exponentially in all different scoops of responsibilities and security. The US remains in NATO could strengthen US international security. This would be through alliance’s, military capabilities and overall assistance from threats. More than ever would the US involvement in NATO be wise. Russia is becoming a security threat, not only to European nations, but also the US. Russia is a threat to NATO’s 29 members, meaning if a threat were to occur, Article 5 would be implemented once again.

If NATO continues to expand its scoop outside the Europe region, expand their aid, and expand their assistance to humanitarian issues, then US involvement in NATO is crucial to maintain. The US should not be thinking of abandoning NATO because it is important for our national interest. Being part of NATO helps the US with its international commitments and global responsibilities. Additionally, a multilateral framework would provide the US with political and military resources that can strengthen US foreign policy.