NATO’s Strategic Future: A Call for Enhanced Defense Commitments
The return of President Donald Trump to the Oval Office brings a renewed focus on national security, encapsulated in the philosophy of “peace through strength.” This imperative mirrors the actions of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and key American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. They emphasize the necessity for increased defense investment and European allies’ engagement within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Upcoming NATO Summit: Strategic Goals
Set for June 24-25, 2025, in The Hague, the forthcoming NATO summit presents a critical opportunity for the U.S. to advocate for:
- Increased Defense Spending: A commitment to maintaining annual defense expenditures at 3.5% of GDP to bolster military capabilities.
- Leadership Appointment: Announce the new Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to ensure continuity and American influence.
- Comprehensive Strategy toward China: Accelerate NATO’s strategy to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.
The Concept for Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-Atlantic
The foundation of NATO’s security lies within the Allied capabilities outlined in the Concept for the Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-Atlantic (DDA). As General Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s current SACEUR, remarked, the DDA plans serve as the operational blueprint for the alliance during times of peace, crisis, and conflict.
Historically, post-Cold War adjustments saw NATO allies divert funding traditionally reserved for defense toward social and infrastructure projects. This shift has resulted in diminished military capacities, compelling reliance on U.S. resources in significant operations, including interventions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Libya.
Heightening Military Capabilities
Recent calls by Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Allied Command Transformation Commander, highlight the pressing need for a 30% increase in NATO military capability targets. As the global security landscape evolves, focusing on enhancing European military capabilities is paramount. The disproportionate burden shouldered by the United States in NATO defense underscores the need for equitable responsibility-sharing among allies.
Addressing Global Threats: Russia and China
In light of persistent threats from Russia and growing instability in the Middle East and Africa, NATO must adjust its spending target to a minimum of 3.5%. This adjustment is essential for adequately countering Russian expansionism and ensuring a robust unified defense strategy in the face of challenges, especially as the U.S. reallocates security assets toward the Indo-Pacific region.
The appointment of a U.S. officer as the next SACEUR is crucial for maintaining NATO’s strategic effectiveness. U.S. military doctrine has traditionally stipulated leadership from an American officer for streamlined command and operational integrity. Current geopolitical tensions demand continued U.S. leadership to facilitate NATO’s military planning and reinforce the alliance’s commitment to collective security.
China’s Role: A Growing Concern
NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept recognized the systemic challenges posed by China’s actions, a sentiment that has been reinforced over the years by China’s role in obscuring the origins of COVID-19 and facilitating Russia’s military capacity in Ukraine. Given these escalating challenges, it is vital for NATO to formulate a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes countermeasures against China’s encroaching influence while simultaneously safeguarding NATO’s regional commitments against Russian aggression.
Recommendations for Future Action
To re-establish formidable deterrence capabilities, President Trump should advocate for the following actions during the NATO summit:
- Set a 3.5% of GDP Defense Spending Goal: Establish and uphold an annual minimum defense spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2030, which would serve as a foundational commitment from NATO allies.
- Establish Capability Targets with Accountability: Finalize a 30% increase in NATO capability targets during the summit, along with systematic yearly reviews to ensure adherence to these commitments.
- Maintain U.S. Leadership in SACEUR Position: Appoint a U.S. flag officer as the next SACEUR to reinforce American commitment and bolster NATO’s operational readiness.
- Develop a Comprehensive China Strategy: Commission a robust strategy to address the geopolitical challenges posed by China and ensure collaborative efforts among allies in safeguarding security interests.
Conclusion
The U.S. must strategically adapt to shifting global dynamics, redirecting attention and resources to effectively address the challenges presented by China. Fortunately, NATO allies possess the wealth and capacity to fortify deterrence in Europe. Setting and adhering to a defense spending target of 3.5% of GDP is an essential initial step toward reinforcing security in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Jordan Embree serves as a Research Associate at the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation, while Wilson Beaver is a Senior Policy Advisor for Defense Budgeting in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation.
