Whether or not to expand NATO is a question that deserves debate. Would it help or hurt U.S. national security?
Does adding countries such as Albania and Montenegro increase our security or ensnare us in possible regional disputes? Are we willing to risk war with Russia by including countries that already are mired in military conflict with Russia?
To understand what NATO expansion does to our relations with Russia, one must at least be aware of Russia’s perspective. Such awareness does not mean we agree with their point of view, but rather that we are aware our actions lead to reactions, and that NATO expansion does not occur in a vacuum.
We once had robust and thoughtful debate in our country over diplomacy and our desire to avoid war. Both parties now tend to shake their fists and declare to our adversaries: “Take this sanction.” “Take this expansion of NATO.” “Take this travel restriction” — under the misguided notion our unilateral actions will lead to capitulation.
Instead, we’ve often seen rising tensions, increased nationalism and a ratcheting up of a Cold War-like fever.
There was a time when many cautioned against reckless expansion.
Perhaps the most famous diplomat of the last century, George Kennan, wrote that NATO expansion would be a “fateful error” that would “inflame the nationalistic, anti-Western and militaristic tendencies in Russian opinion” and “restore the atmosphere of the cold war to East-West relations.”
Similarly, Daniel L. Davis, retired lieutenant colonel with Defense Priorities, said, “Extending NATO membership to Georgia — or Ukraine, as others advocate — in no way strengthens U.S. security, but rather unequivocally increases America’s strategic risk.”
I prefer we think of our interests first, and that the U.S. Senate return to being a deliberative body on foreign policy, where ideas are considered, and dissent is heard and debated.
If you can't see the below poll, please refresh your story page:
Theresa May meets anti-Brexiteers to curb rebellion
24 Minutes ago
Celeb mugshots: The good, the bad, the ugly
25 Minutes ago
Plouffe agrees to a minor league deal with Phillies.
28 Minutes ago
Yasin Malik, Hurriyat Coference term order of withdrawal of security cover a 'lie'
28 Minutes ago
Amit Shah pumps 'team spirit' into BJP
28 Minutes ago
Advanced MiG-35 priced lower than other foreign models: Russia
31 Minutes ago
Get hip to this: Paris wants Olympic debut for breakdance
33 Minutes ago
Kenya court set to rule on whether to scrap anti-gay laws
34 Minutes ago
Smaller Lopes is standing tall among Europe's best goalies
34 Minutes ago
What you need to do if your cruise ship leaves you behind!
35 Minutes ago
DMK alliance with Congress contradictory to Karunanidhi's stand: AIADMK
36 Minutes ago
Police: Smollett faked hate crime for pay raise
37 Minutes ago
NIA searches 10 locations in Jharkhand, WB in terror funding case
37 Minutes ago
Police: Jussie Smollett staged his attack 'to promote his career,' increase his salary
40 Minutes ago
Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim hits, kills pedestrian walking along highway
40 Minutes ago
MP govt to soon ban PUBG game ahead of board exams
50 Minutes ago
These are the 5 best Walmart deals you can get right now
51 Minutes ago
Why renting clothes is such a hot trend right now
51 Minutes ago
I'm ready for another Cuban Missile-style crisis: Putin to US
55 Minutes ago
Nike debuts Colin Kaepernick 'Icon' jersey; Sells out within hours
55 Minutes ago
NCAA tournament Bubble Tracker: How this mid-major league could buck trend, get three bids
56 Minutes ago
Police: Jussie Smollett staged his attack 'to promote his career,' increase his salary
1 Hour ago
Mumbai court issues summons to Rahul Gandhi, Yechury over comments after Gauri Lankesh murder
1 Hour ago
Zion Williamson's injury from rare shoe failure puts spotlight on Nike
1 Hour ago
NRIS.COM is one of the premier NRI website that provides a range of resourceful services to Indian expats residing in the USA. Visiting the site you will find comprehensive information related to restaurants, casinos, pubs, temples, carpool, movies, education, real estate, and forums. The simple and easy to navigate format allows NRIs to gain information within a fraction of a second. Moreover, advertising through its column of Indian free classifieds in USA allow businesses to improve visibility of their brand.