On the eve of the opening of the Munich Security Conference, the Super Bowl of foreign policy events, America is sending deeply mixed signals about democracy.parliament and Fight Former president over funding to Ukraine threatening To end the consternation of NATO and Europe, the United States is having its worst moment in public diplomacy.
of munich security conference Established in the fall of 1963, it is the go-to annual forum for military planners, diplomats, and members of Congress. Traditionally, U.S. Republicans are seen touting conservative positions of overthrowing authoritarian regimes and supporting freedom and democracy around the world.
It was a favorite of the late Sen. John McCain. famous He said this at one of the meetings in 2017.
“The era of unprecedented security and prosperity we have enjoyed over the past 70 years did not happen by accident. It was not just because our values were attractive, but because we were able to He supported them and continued to protect them tenaciously.”
But this year is unlike any other.
For example, former President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election, has shocked Europe with his disparaging comments about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which protects Western democracies.playing cards doubled Regarding his previous comments about NATO, he now suggested that Article 5 of the treaty, which guarantees defensive action to protect NATO members, was irrelevant.
“If we don’t pay and Russia attacks, will you protect us?” Trump recalled other countries’ leaders asking him during his presidency. . “No, I won’t protect you. In fact, I’d encourage them to do whatever they want.”
Alarmed European leaders condemned President Trump’s comments.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a written statement on February 11: Said “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our national security, including ours, and puts American and European soldiers at further risk.”
President Biden condemns President Trump’s comments on NATO “Stupid,” “disgraceful,” “dangerous,” and “un-American.”
This year’s conference comes at a time when Congress and the American public are wavering over support for Ukraine after two years of bitter war.
Congress, Senate The vote was 70-29. bipartisan $95.3 billion aid package For Ukraine, Israel and other countries, $60 billion of that money will be earmarked for aid to Ukraine.
The announcement was made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. severe warning About the consequences of abandoning America’s long-time allies in Europe. And Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, just returned to Kyiv with a bipartisan congressional delegation. caveat Time is running out for Ukraine to fight the Russian invaders.
But sadly, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has already poured cold water in the package.
“If we do not receive any changes to border policy from the House of Lords, the House of Commons will have to continue to work on these important issues on its own,” Johnson said in a statement. “America deserves better than what’s going on in the Senate.”
For Americans tired of foreign news and worried about the domestic economy, interest in Ukraine is waning.In the latest Gallup poll, a plurality of Americans (41 percent) say the U.S. Too much To help Ukraine. This is up from 24% in August 2022 and 29% in June 2023.
The hesitation about going to war with Ukraine could not have come at a worse time for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. tension Zelenskiy and his military commander-in-chief, General Valery Zarzhny, had complained about weapons and weapons. I was fired.
On the other hand, Russia benefited North Korea is sending munitions to support the war effort. President Putin is planning a return visit to Pyongyang.And Iran is still major suppliers Transporting drones to Russia.
Both sides endured in this war huge loss. Russian military casualties could reach 300,000 including wounded and dead. Ukraine lost nearly 70,000 people and suffered 120,000 wounded, more than the 58,000 American soldiers the United States lost in Vietnam.
Michael Coffman, a leading Russia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said: Said The New York Times recently said that in terms of aid declines, “absent further aid from the United States, the situation points to a bleak negative trajectory for the second half of the year.”
There are many important issues to discuss in Munich.
Survey conducted prior to the conference identified Immigration, climate change and Russia are the top concerns, with Russia topping the list. It would be a grave historical error if the Munich Security Conference appeased President Vladimir Putin and ended with his belief that the West would capitulate to aiding Ukraine.
We need to get our act together quickly.
Tara D. Sonnenschein is a senior fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
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