It’s springtime for liberal interventionism. Russian President Vladimir Putin may not have intended it, but he is doing a good job of revitalising Nato. The organisation was faltering only a few years ago. Now, by threatening Ukraine, Putin is probably extending its lifespan by several more decades, a feat that even the most ardent Atlanticists in Washington could not have accomplished on their lonesome.
Recall that after the Iraq war, realism was in vogue. The talk was about restraint and realism, national interests and sobriety. President Donald Trump inveighed against the chiselers in Europe who were free-riding off of American largesse. President Joe Biden pulled out of Afghanistan.
And now? Biden is sending arms to Ukraine. Several thousand troops may be sent to Europe as well. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is requesting an all-members briefing on Ukraine for what The Hill calls ‘a rare bipartisan point among lawmakers’. The laggard Germany, which retains vivid memories of its last incursion into die Ukraine, is being pilloried by the pundit class for failing to stand up to Putin.
For Biden a new confrontation with the Kremlin could be just what the doctor ordered
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is loving it: ‘I welcome allies contributing additional forces to Nato,’ he said.
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