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OTTAWA – After two days spent serving as a tribune for Donald Trump, the 69-year-old military alliance known as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization came out bruised and bruised but she still breathes.
The impredictable The US President – and his fierce demand that allies such as Canada increase their defense spending – was the focus of this week's meeting in Brussels, memories of the disastrous G7 meeting of the month last in Quebec still fresh for many.
The stakes were high for the NATO countries and their leaders, given the growing threat of political and economic instability in the world, the omnipresent threat of terrorism and the threat of terrorism. recent aggression of Russia – of which the Soviet Union, the Alliance was established to defend against back in 1949.
"They went well depends on who you ask."
"It's disturbing and even painful to watch, but NATO emerges significantly stronger as a result of Trump. Says retired Canadian Forces colonel Brett Boudreau, who spent three years at NATO Headquarters as spokesperson and advisor to the chairman of the NATO Military Committee
]. After decades of taking over from the allies, he came out singing NATO praises with his usual flair, calling him a "finely tuned machine" that is now "richer than ever" . " a great collegial spirit in this piece that I do not think I have had for many years, "he said," they are very strong, very unified, very strong, no problem, no problem. "
optimism was picked up by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who noted that leaders had agreed on a series of initiatives They are stronger and better able to react quickly to threats new and existing such as Russia and terrorism.
They include the addition of new neighborhood units, one of which will focus on securing the North Atlantic. "Our decisions at Brussels summit show that as the world changes, Europe and North America stand together and act together within NATO, "said Stoltenberg. from the summit.
From the Secretary General, Trump said that he "gives us a credit total – which means me, I suppose, in this case, the total credit. "
On this point, it may not be said Boudreau.
"If, in the end, NATO countries, including Canada, feel compelled, even if they are intimidated, to contribute more to collective defense and security."
Others, such as Roland Paris, professor at the University of Ottawa The foreign policy advisor was not impressed by Trump 's approach, claiming that he was not in the mood. it could be a danger to the alliance, whose very strength is based on unity. "Trump did in Brussels what he did elsewhere: he fabricated a crisis and claimed" this It's not a way to strengthen a partnership that has been the cornerstone of western security for generations. "
Still the showman, Trump appeared. set up a sequel for his quarrel with NATO by repeatedly suggesting that members should spend four percent of GDP for defense, rather than the agreed target of two percent – and no longer – do not exclude leavi He also left the door open to the cancellation of military exercises in the Baltic States during his next meeting with Putin, and danced around the question of whether he recognized the military. annexation of Crimea by Russia – A decision that would shake NATO
Trudeau, for its part, seemed determined to avoid a new catastrophe at the summit after the G7 meeting last month in Quebec, where the president he had excommunicated on Twitter and canceled his support for the G7 Mr. Trudeau downplayed all the divisions on Russia, claiming that Trump himself had taken a firm stand during the summit against Russian interference in the Member States
. On Russia, concerns about threats to the alliance have been met with solidarity and unity, "he said," and we look forward to a good meeting and a productive and constructive meeting. . At first glance, NATO is doing better, thanks to the promise of higher spending and new initiatives in Brussels, said David Perry, Defense Analyst at the Canadian Institute of Global Affairs. 19659002] However, the question remains: how long can the Foundation bear the weight of Trump?
"In terms of real capabilities, the alliance has been strengthened over the last two years," he said. "But the behavior of the president and the way he treats the allies only threatens solidarity in the alliance."
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