NATO FOR REALISTS.

This article provides an overview of the historical success and ongoing importance of NATO. It acknowledges valid criticisms of the alliance, such as its pursuit of nonmilitary goals and burden-sharing issues. However, it emphasizes that NATO has achieved its original objectives of keeping Russia out, the US in, and Germany down. NATO's presence in Western Europe during the Cold War ensured peace and stability, leading to European growth, prosperity, and the birth of the European Union. The article argues that NATO's expansion into Central and Eastern Europe helped these countries transition to market democracies and achieve prosperity and stability. It addresses the argument that NATO expansion provoked Russia, stating that it was the newly independent satellites themselves who sought admission due to their fear of Russian revanchism. The article concludes by highlighting Russia's aggressive actions in Georgia and Ukraine and the need to prevent an outright Russian victory in Ukraine. It discusses the long-term risks Europe faces from Russia's historical tendency to view its security as dependent on controlling its neighbors and argues for Europe to remain vigilant and maintain strong military capabilities. The text also criticizes the idea of European strategic autonomy, stating that it lacks the necessary financial and military commitments. Additionally, it questions the attempt by NATO to promote a hyper-liberalism of newly defined human rights, arguing that it is unnecessary and absurd. The text concludes by discussing the impact of the Ukraine war and the potential outcomes depending on the U.S. election. [Extracted from the article]