Could the Ukraine Crisis Reboot NATO?

• Author: Abrahamson, James L.

Title: COULD THE UKRAINE CRISIS REBOOT NATO?

Author: James L. Abrahamson

COULD THE UKRAINE CRISIS REBOOT NATO?

By Erik Brattberg, resident fellow, the Atlantic Council

http://nationalinterest.org/feature/could-the-ukraine-crisis-reboot-nato-10279

Writing for the National Interest, Brattberg sees the crisis brought on by Russia's seizure of Crimea as "both a tremendous challenge and a tremendous opportunity for the West." With swift action and sound political leadership from Europe and the U.S., NATO might rediscover its strategic purpose as Europe conducts a "serious defense debate" and the U.S. pivots back to the Continent demonstrating a readiness to confront Putin's actions.

Despite such possibilities, the author asserts it is far too early for NATO to declare victory. In fact, the Ukraine crisis might even undermine the NATO alliance. To date, the U.S.--still concerned about a rising China--has shown little interest in a renewed military focus on Europe. To encourage the U.S. to risk "war over Estonia," Europeans must first demonstrate that they have...