The Future of NATO: Engaging Americans Beyond the Beltway

As the political landscape shifts with the impending campaign between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, transatlanticists are increasingly anxious about the future of U.S. engagement in NATO, the world’s most formidable military alliance. Both candidates will confront a myriad of global challenges that extend beyond the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Despite a significant majority of Americans recognizing NATO as essential to U.S. security, it is crucial for leaders and policymakers to articulate the Alliance’s ongoing relevance amid a backdrop of emerging great-power competition. This necessitates a concerted effort to engage local communities and effectively communicate NATO’s successes beyond the confines of Washington, D.C.

Bridging the Gap: Conversations Across America

In an effort to foster dialogue and gather insights from voices outside the political epicenter, the Atlantic Council, in collaboration with NATO Allied Command Transformation, has organized a series of conferences across the United States. These events have taken place in cities like Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, engaging students, local officials, industry partners, and community members. While these discussions do not represent all perspectives, they provide valuable insights into how NATO’s supporters can better convey the Alliance’s enduring value to Americans.

Anti-NATO Sentiments: A Misunderstood Narrative

During our conversations in Texas and Washington, participants instinctively recognized the importance of strong alliances, emphasizing that having friends in the fight is preferable to going it alone. Many expressed a deep appreciation for U.S.-European ties, rooted in the historical context of transatlantic defense during both World Wars. While some participants raised concerns about NATO’s burden-sharing and strategic direction, their critiques were constructive, aimed at strengthening the Alliance rather than undermining it. This suggests that anti-NATO sentiments are more reflective of partisan rhetoric in Washington than a widespread belief among the American populace. Data from recent surveys corroborate this, indicating that Americans are not indifferent to supporting European allies.

Prioritizing Transatlantic Security: A Call for Clarity

As global and domestic challenges mount, participants in our sessions often ranked transatlantic security lower on their list of priorities. Discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlighted the disruptive impact of Russia’s actions on global security and U.S. interests. However, in regions like Austin, with its proximity to the southern border, and Seattle, facing the Pacific, transatlantic security was not always top of mind. Many expressed concerns about the aimlessness of U.S. grand strategy following decades of military engagements in the Middle East and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Americans are increasingly seeking a sober assessment of the international security landscape and a coherent strategy with clear priorities. NATO must articulate its vital role within the broader U.S. global strategy to avoid ceding ground to other pressing priorities.

Making NATO Relevant: Local Connections Matter

The discussions revealed a strong resonance with the role local communities play in transatlantic security. Texas, a leader in defense industrial production, and Washington, home to significant naval presence and defense innovation, exemplify how NATO impacts the lives of individuals in these areas. Highlighting these direct ties can reinforce NATO’s relevance and demonstrate how Americans contribute to their own security and that of their allies. By promoting these connections, NATO can ensure that citizens across the country recognize the Alliance’s significance in their daily lives.

Addressing Burden-Sharing: A Direct Approach

A prevailing belief exists that the United States disproportionately bears the responsibility for European security. While this perception is not unfounded, it is essential to note that European allies collectively meet their commitment to spend 2% of their GDP on defense, even if individual nations may fall short. To counter this narrative, European officials should engage directly with Americans across the country, fostering conversations about burden-sharing and contextualizing European contributions to NATO. Such dialogues can help bridge the gap between perceptions and reality.

The Next Generation of Transatlanticists: Embracing New Perspectives

In both Austin and Seattle, we encountered a vibrant group of students and young professionals eager to influence international security. Their activism, from protesting conflicts to establishing university think tanks, reflects a desire for innovative approaches to emerging issues such as climate change, cyber threats, and technological advancements. As this next generation enters positions of influence within NATO, their perspectives will be crucial in reshaping the Alliance’s priorities, particularly regarding climate considerations and other pressing challenges.

Climate Change: A Central Concern for the Future

While geopolitical instabilities, such as the war in Ukraine, dominate headlines, climate change emerged as the foremost concern for many students. They recognize that climate risks serve as a threat multiplier, exacerbating security challenges like mass displacement. NATO has made strides in addressing climate change, but it must effectively communicate its initiatives and actively listen to the concerns of younger generations. By prioritizing climate change in its agenda, NATO can align itself with the values and priorities of the next generation.

Conclusion: A Call for Engagement Beyond the Beltway

The ongoing political division in the United States necessitates that NATO and its supporters establish meaningful connections with communities across the country. By understanding how citizens perceive the world and their perspectives on the Alliance, NATO can better position itself as a relevant and vital institution in American life. As we approach a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, the future of NATO hinges on its ability to engage, communicate, and resonate with the American public beyond the confines of Washington, D.C.

Kristen Taylor is a program assistant with the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.