Never mind Trump – if Europe wants to save Nato, it must win over the American people
Mark Rutte has the right idea – go beyond Washington and make the case for the transatlantic alliance to the public. They may well have a willing ear
TL;DR
- Europe needs to convince the American public, not just President Trump, of NATO's value.
- Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Des Moines, Iowa, is a significant move to engage a midwestern, 'red state' audience.
- European leaders must invest in public diplomacy to cultivate understanding among Americans outside the foreign-policy establishment.
- Americans' support for NATO remains substantial, but confidence in European allies' defense has declined.
- European defense spending has increased significantly, with all NATO members meeting or exceeding the 2% of GDP target.
- The case for NATO should emphasize tangible benefits for Americans, such as job security, energy prices, and avoiding the threat of wider war.