NATO: Yes, It's Important

Photo via New York Times

CHRISTIANA TUCHOLSKI: Recently, former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner for the upcoming 2024 election, has commented on the United States’ commitment to NATO, leaving the other allied countries questioning their safety amid the War in Ukraine. He doubled down, encouraging Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” in regards to attacking other European nations. 

With the 2024 election quickly approaching and the War in Ukraine without an end in sight, it is important to take comments such as these with care as it could alter the course of the world and millions of peoples’ lives.

NATO’s goal is to “safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means.” This would mean that if any country were to be attacked by another nation, all of the nations within NATO would be required to send aid, ultimately protecting them all.

In regards to NATO’s budget, the United States contributes the most to the alliance, angering many Americans - some to the point that they agree with Trump’s statements. While the frustration of these Americans is understandable, is it not more important to protect the entirety of the free world rather than solely ourselves? What would become of the world, and NATO, if the United States withdrew? Nothing good.

With Sweden’s recent entrance into the alliance, many continue to question what the United States gets out of NATO. The answer is a free, prosperous world. While we may contribute the most, it is because we have the capabilities to do so. With the strongest economy in the world, it makes sense that we contribute the most resources. 

Let us think of what could happen if Donald Trump were to be elected and decides to leave NATO. It would open a pathway for Russia, or any country for that matter, to attack other foreign powers, plunging the world into a series of conflicts. 

If another country were to attack a series of other countries, would the United States remain in isolation or would it contribute as though it had been a member of NATO? Either way, it seems pertinent that the United States remain in NATO, if we leave, who is there to help those who cannot help themselves?

In regards to Trump’s comments, is it intelligent to bow down to another country, letting them wreak havoc on other nations? Is it right to allow thousands to die because we weren’t contributing enough? While our nation has struggled economically in recent years due to the pandemic, it has slowly been climbing once again - giving us more capabilities to help others across the world. And as Americans, our mission is to help those in this world who need it - because we are fortunate enough to do so. 

We should not leave NATO.

Christiana is a Staff Writer of On The Record. She is a freshman in the College studying Government. Christiana enjoys skiing and exploring new coffee shops in her free time.