​NATO: An Alliance Falling Apart?
Akshita Emani
On November 7th, 2019, barely a month before the NATO's December summit in London, French President, Emmanuel Macron, hinted in a statement to fellow Europeans that the alliance may be falling apart.
Formed on April 4th 1949, NATO's objective was to ensure the freedom of all its members (by keeping the growing Russian power in check). Revived Russian threats, has kept the alliance with a purpose till now, though it's accountability under Trump's leadership may be questionable.
Praising Russia's leader Vladimir Putin, condemning Germany for requiring assistance from the USA for protection against Russia, leaving their allies, the Kurds, to be overrun by Turkey. Such actions along, with his 'America First' policy, have sown the seed of doubt in many minds as to whether the alliance can really be trusted upon to come to aid when necessary.
In this scenario, it is not surprising that the French President should find it prudent to warn Europe that the time has come for it to stand on its own feet. Speaking to 'The Economist', the French President emphasized the need for Europe to stop thinking of itself as a market and more as a military power. He proposed to start repairing relations with Russia, along with regaining 'military sovereignty'.
When asked about Article Five - which states the idea that if one NATO member were to be attacked, all would come to its aid - Macron replied with an "I don't know" clearly displaying the doubts Trump's actions have birthed in his mind.
Many countries do not align with Macron's view; however there is nothing to lose, but much to gain if they were to follow - or even mildly consider - his propositions. Nothing could be lost by strengthening inter-continental ties, policies and defence. And Europe would be better off being prepared for a possibility, than grappling with the dire consequences afterwards.