NATO For the 21st Century: Ensuring Liberal Democracy In Europe

Is NATO still necessary? 

Before we answer that, let’s talk about the original purpose of NATO: 

It was founded after WWII to keep Russia out of Eastern Europe, the United states in, and Germany down. Throughout the Cold War, it served as a key buffer against commuist expansion west of the Iron Curtain. 

Eventually, the Soviet Union fell and NATO membership expanded to include most countries who were formerly part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. 

But it’s become clear that not all of those countries share NATO’s commitment to liberal democracy...  which dilutes its ability to prevent authoritarian governments from expanding in Europe 

So back to our original question... do we still need NATO? 

The answer is yes. A united Europe offers greater advantages for the United States than a divided Europe. 

And widespresad liberal democracy has continued to be a cornerstone of our national interest. 

But NATO must reform. It must return its focus to the original mission of widespread democracy by ensuring that each country is committed to it. This would help NATO protect liberty and security for its member nations.