Jacobin Radio Confronting Capitalism: The End of NATO?
Apr 9, 2025
The discussion dives into the alarming surge in military spending across Europe, highlighting its links to waning social welfare and rising nationalism. Experts analyze the historical roots of NATO, revealing how it was shaped by post-World War II dynamics. The impact of U.S. leadership, particularly under Trump, and the shifting perceptions of security threats from Russia and China are explored. There's a call to revive peace movements, emphasizing the crucial need for prioritizing social welfare over militarization in these tense geopolitical times.
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NATO's Origins
- NATO's creation in 1949 was driven by shared concerns between the US and Western Europe.
- These included containing the Soviet Union, managing Germany's rearmament, and ensuring US involvement in European affairs.
NATO's Persistence
- Despite the Soviet Union's fall, NATO persisted due to concerns about Russia's potential resurgence and the need for a US presence in Europe.
- Europeans sought a renegotiation of terms, while the US aimed to maintain its hegemony.
NATO Expansion
- NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe primarily served US interests.
- It aimed to counterbalance potential Franco-German rivalry and maintain US influence within the alliance.