An expert shakes a silent estimate of NATO – “The backrest has weakened”

US president Donald Trump has confused relationships with the traditional NATO-covenant Europe in a short time. At the same time he has communicated the convergence of the Russian President Vladimir Putinin.

Has NATO already gone, Matti Pesu, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Foreign Affairs?

“The current NATO is in a political crisis, but the formal commitment of the US is still in force. US management policies have not communicated that the US will withdraw from NATO. However, Europe’s confidence in the United States has been nailed. ”

“However, there is so little President Trump’s second presidential season that nothing can be said about NATO’s future. Practical policy from the US is still ongoing. ”

Friedrich Merz, who has won the German election and is likely to become a Chancellor of Chancellor, has said that Europe must be prepared to build its defense alone, without the United States. How serious is the situation in NATO?

“It’s a big deal. Now, then, I look forward to how it will take into German practical activities. Are we seeing significant guidelines for strengthening defense? Speech as such is cheap, but increasing defense capabilities is everything else. ”

Does Europe have to get ready in advance and do not expect US speeches to become actions?

“Europe must plan and prepare despite Trump’s actions. It is in line with the interests of the European. The Trump factor brings this urgency and a little panic-like feeling, but there is really no reason that Europe will not be united now. Rather, Trump strengthens and accelerates this development. ”

What does NATO’s political crisis mean for Finland’s security?

“The backrest that NATO membership sought is not as powerful as we wish at the moment. The part of the US defense specifically related to the US ally relationship is weakened right now, but it is not completely gone. It is also possible that things can be established. But it is also possible that the US commitment to Europe will have a fundamental weakening. Here’s a big scale to be prepared for. ”

What does it mean for Finland as an investment destination?

“I would look at it through the security environment. It is not just about the United States and NATO, but also Russia and how Russia can operate in northern Europe. Finland is not alone, but other NATO edge states close to Russia or Russia’s borders struggled with the same questions. ”

“There are major investments in defense. If these are communicated forward, I think the world will have an encouraging message. ”

Can Europe really build its own defense so that it acts as a deterrent to Putin?

“In theory, yes. Resources exist. Russia’s potential is not one that could not be controlled. But resources are scattered. They are in different nation states. They need to be developed consistently and together. And even if a lot of money is felled into Europe’s defense, development will inevitably take time. ”

Watch the full conversation in the video below.