Be it Resolved, Ukraine should be admitted to NATO

Jul 30, 2024

The debate centers on Ukraine's possible NATO membership, igniting strong reactions in the foreign policy realm. Proponents argue it would strengthen Ukraine's security and deter future aggression from Russia. Critics warn this could provoke conflict, risking a confrontation between nuclear powers. The complexities of NATO's expansion are examined, alongside the historical implications for U.S. policy. Experts delve into the strategic needs for support amid ongoing military threats, underscoring the delicate balance in global security.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Debating Ukraine's NATO Membership

01:49 • 10min

NATO's Expansion and Ukraine: Risks and Realities

11:40 • 7min

The Complexities of NATO Membership for Ukraine

18:20 • 4min

Ukraine's NATO Dilemma

22:45 • 25min

Conclusion of the NATO Debate on Ukraine

47:32 • 2min

“We will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to NATO membership”. It was this statement by NATO members at a recent summit in Washington that sent shockwaves through the foreign policy community and elicited strong reactions from both sides of this foreign policy debate. Those in favour argue that bringing Ukraine into NATO would solidify the West’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security, force Putin’s hand to end this war, and deter Russia from invading Ukraine in the future. Critics argue that admitting Ukraine to NATO would be a huge mistake. The US and its allies would be signalling a commitment to fight Russia should they invade Ukraine again which would lead to a showdown between the world’s two leading nuclear powers. And allowing Ukraine to join the alliance only at the conclusion of this war will motivate Putin continue the war indefinitely, the prospect from which Ukraine will never recover.

Arguing in favour of the resolution is John Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine and the Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center.

Arguing against the resolution is Benjamin Friedman, the policy director at Defense Priorities, a foreign policy think tank.

SOURCES:

Al Jazeera, New York Post

The host of this Munk Debates podcast episode is Rudyard Griffiths.

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