If Donald Trump was told that he was partially responsible for NATO being so ready right now, he would feel pretty good about himself. However, if Putin knew that he was setting the example to NATO why getting much more prepped was important, I doubt if Putin would be pleased. As the expression goes, we can always serve as an example, even if it is a bad example. And Putin serving as a bad example has certainly helped the cause.
What an odd title for a blog post. NATO is stronger because of both Trump and Putin? Please explain Mr. Bird! It really is not that complicated. When Trump started his first term, his first meetings with fellow NATO types were not really a love fest. In fact, anything but. In so many words, Trump told (mostly the Euro Zone) that he was tired of propping up NATO financially. That NATO was woefully behind on its financial commitments, and as such, the US was considering pulling out of NATO. That was the start of the wakeup call.
Fast forward to Trump's second term. NATO is bigger and stronger (welcome, Finland!). More countries are either at commitment, or drawing much closer. Even though Trump is referred to by some in the alliance as "Big Daddy", ruling with an iron fist, a bit of tough love seemed to have worked. Bottom line? Because of some tough talk and some tougher love, NATO is bigger and stronger today because in part of Donald J. Trump.
But Trump may not have been the strongest catalyst for NATO to become more prepared and robust. Instead of just talking about a boogie man, Putin has done one better - he has shown himself to be a real live villain. As the expression goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And Putin's illegal and immoral war on Ukraine, has shown the world (especially NATO), what a modern-day villain looks like. I can't prove this, but my guess is that without Putin, NATO would not have the razor's edge it currently has.
Interesting article in the news this morning. NATO is very worried that Putin will make a play for some NATO country by 2029 or before. And what does that mean? Whatever it means, NATO is prepping for the worst. And what really helps, is they think that the US will play a minor role rather than a lead role. That also helps in how pepped NATO is right now. I doubt if the US would ever turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to NATO should Russia ever attack - but I do like the idea that NATO thinks that way right now.
If Donald Trump was told that he was partially responsible for NATO being so ready, he would feel pretty good about himself. However, if Putin knew that he was setting the example to NATO why getting much more prepped was important, I doubt if Putin would be pleased. As the expression goes, we can always serve as an example, even if it is a bad example. And Putin serving as a bad example has certainly helped the cause.
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