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Rutte new secretary-general, in a moment of strong American uncertainty
The NATO Summit held last July 10th in Washington D.C. marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the alliance between the main 12 states, now 32, that emerged from the Second World War. The meeting was clearly not only celebratory but socio-political in nature: the main topic appears to have been the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense to the detriment of the American one, with many concerns for the future of the transatlantic partnership and for the interests of America’s national security.
From a strictly technical point of view, Italy in particular has committed to contributing its SAMP-T type long-range air defense systems while the Northern European countries, specifically the Netherlands and Germany, will provide the so-called “Patriot” systems together with Romania and the United States.
Italy has reiterated its strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Italian officials have emphasized that “we defend Ukraine’s right to survival and its territorial integrity.” This message is intended to underline Italy’s unwavering commitment to NATO and to strengthen the united front among the alliance members.
The economic challenges facing America should not be underestimated. In addition to economic issues, the country is also dealing with security, political, and military challenges. Choosing to support a non-NATO country like Ukraine means that the United States must prioritize this support over pressing issues within the nation. This puts American interests at risk, especially as the country is already navigating challenges due to the upcoming presidential elections and the recent attack on Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump.
NATO leaders, to insulate military support for Ukraine from the upheavals that could be created by a possible change of government in the US, have envisaged measures to be taken to decentralize authority over assistance to Kyiv. This solution obviously takes away exclusivity from the Americans to shift control over the broader framework of NATO, but the risk is that this decision appears as an attempt to undermine American sovereignty, thus creating a significant precedent, albeit motivated by the ultimate goal of stability.
Central in this sense are the words of the American presidential candidate Donald Trump who makes peace the basis for his electoral campaign, while the Biden administration, which also demonstrates solidarity with its opponent, believes that the Tycoon’s words are specious and populist.
Another key outcome of the summit was the increase in defense spending among NATO members to 2% of GDP. As regards Italy, which is among those countries that do not yet guarantee the agreed level of military expenditure, reassurance was provided on the will and commitment to achieving this objective by 2028, although the need to include, in the calculation, also the country’s effort in terms of contributions of units and means in the various operations of the Alliance.
The summit also marked the inauguration of a new Secretary General of NATO, the Dutch Mark Rutte, former Prime Minister and member of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD, RE). “It is a great honor to be appointed Secretary General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am grateful to all Allies for placing their trust in me. I look forward to taking up the role with great vigor in October, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who has provided NATO with exceptional leadership over the last 10 years and for whom I have always had great admiration,” he writes on social media. Congratulations were immediate from his predecessor Stoltenberg and many chancelleries of the alliance, including Italy, from the leaders of the European Union, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The leadership transition may provide short-term stability, but it raises concerns about the long-term direction of the alliance and its alignment with US interests, despite Rutte being a welcome face for Trump.
In general, a united front emerged from the Washington summit in defense of Ukraine and the democratic values that guide NATO, with few but aggravating concerns addressed to the United States. The United States finds itself having to ensure its own interests are a top priority on the alliance’s agenda.