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Apr 20, 2014 02:00 am | Erik Brattberg
Even
since the Russian invasion of Crimea began a few weeks ago, a certain
degree of triumphalism has been felt throughout NATO security circles. A
surprising number of Western leaders and analysts have been quick to
declare that, thanks to Vladimir Putin, the United States will now pivot
back to Europe again, Europeans will begin to take defense seriously,
and NATO will get a renewed strategic purpose.While all these outcomes are certainly possible, it's still too early to declare such a victory. The crisis in Ukraine is still an ongoing affair. The current crisis could spur a reinvigorated transatlantic alliance in the short term, but there are no guarantees that the effects will be lasting. In fact, if they are not careful, the Ukraine crisis could even undermine the NATO alliance going forward. The allies must therefore take steps to ensure that the opportunity stemming from the current crisis is effectively seized.
Will the United States Pivot to Europe?
For far too long, Washington has chosen to take a backseat role when it comes to European security. Not anymore—the Ukraine crisis will force the United States to boost its military presence on the continent in order to reassure its allies. As a result, NATO is already undertaking plans to reinforce its military presence in Eastern Europe.
read morehttp://nationalinterest.org/commentary/could-the-ukraine-crisis-reboot-nato-10288
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