NATO, the 'Paper Tiger,' Must Learn to Roar Again

The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara is being deliberately kept brief to mitigate any potential fallout from Donald Trump's unpredictable stance on the alliance. Trump has frequently voiced threats of U.S. disengagement, while simultaneously demanding European nations significantly increase their defense spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is employing a strategy of appeasement, aiming to avoid contentious debates and maintain a semblance of cohesion. This approach, however, is reportedly irritating some European leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, who advocate for a firmer stance against Trump's demands. The focus is on preventing the summit from devolving into chaos, with a leaked final declaration already signaling a watered-down approach. The document reaffirms support for Ukraine, labels Russia a long-term threat, and acknowledges increased defense spending commitments, while also reiterating the alliance's commitment to collective defense under Article 5.