Opinion: The end of NATO?

Note: The views expressed in this text are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of this website.

President Trump speaks with Ukrainian leader Zelensky in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington D.C., USA. Photo: Saul Loeb / AFP

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is facing one of its greatest crises since its creation in 1949. The alliance, which has historically served as a pillar of Western security and military deterrence against external threats, is now undergoing a weakening process that could lead to its collapse. Recent events involving the United States, Ukraine, and Europe have revealed deep fissures that threaten the organization’s cohesion.

Despite the United States’ historical support for NATO, the current questioning by the U.S. government regarding its functionality and relevance has led to a growing rift with European allies. Another factor reinforcing this fragility is the support of billionaire Elon Musk, head of the Government Efficiency Department under the Trump administration, who has endorsed the proposal to abandon both NATO and the United Nations. This reflects a growing sentiment among certain sectors of the U.S. government that the alliance is no longer worth the cost.

The confrontation between Trump and Zelensky, broadcast live worldwide, combined with the recent decision to suspend all military aid to Ukraine, has also exposed fractures within NATO itself. The direct negotiation stance with other nations without Ukraine’s presence, the lack of consultation with allies, the imposition of an agreement on Zelensky, and the suspension of cyber operations against Russia highlight a strategic realignment that weakens NATO. A government (Biden’s) that once provided unconditional support to Ukraine alongside European allies while imposing criticism and sanctions on Russia is now shifting course. Germany and France are striving to maintain the bloc’s unity, but the U.S.’s lack of clear direction and Trump’s demands for more "gratitude" from allies only add to the confusion and discontent.

If the U.S. were to leave NATO, the organization’s structure would be deeply compromised, as the U.S. serves as its military and financial backbone. NATO is experiencing an unprecedented weakening due to the U.S.’s shift in posture, European distrust, and internal divisions. Washington’s distancing, coupled with increasing financial pressure on European allies, raises concerns about the alliance’s long-term viability. If the U.S. maintains its stance of disengagement or even abandons NATO altogether, Europe will have to rebuild its own defense structure practically from scratch. The debate over the continent’s security is already underway, and the upcoming European Union summit may be a turning point in defining the future of European defense. The end of NATO may not be immediate, but the alliance is undoubtedly more fragile than ever.