NATO faces uncertainty as U.S. shifts security priorities

Brussels—In a stark shift that has sent shockwaves through NATO, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that American security priorities no longer center on Europe. His remarks, made during a meeting with nearly 50 Western allies of Ukraine, have left NATO at a crossroads, questioning its future role and unity in the face of rising global threats.

Hegseth emphasized that the United States must focus on defending its own borders against "consequential threats" rather than maintaining its traditional leadership in European security. His statement marks a significant policy departure, signaling that Ukraine will not regain all of its territory from Russia and will not be admitted into NATO. The speech also confirmed that NATO will not play a role in any potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, leaving European nations to bear both the financial and military burden alone.

Hegseth’s stance has left NATO allies grappling with a profound challenge. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu called it a "real moment of truth" for the alliance. "To say that it’s the biggest and most robust alliance in history is true, historically speaking. But the real question is will that still be the case in 10 or 15 years?" Lecornu remarked.

Founded in 1949, NATO has long served as a bulwark against Russian aggression, growing to 32 member states with the recent addition of Sweden. The alliance’s backbone is its collective security guarantee under Article 5, which commits all members to defend any ally under attack. However, Hegseth’s comments have cast doubt on the U.S. commitment to this principle, despite assurances that America does not plan to leave NATO.

Traditionally, the United States has been NATO’s cornerstone, contributing the bulk of its defense spending and military capabilities. While NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte oversees the alliance’s daily operations, ultimate power has rested with Washington. Hegseth’s announcement underscores a new reality: NATO’s European members must take greater responsibility for their own security.

Although NATO itself does not directly arm Ukraine, its individual members do. In 2024, European allies supplied 60% of Ukraine’s military aid. Meanwhile, NATO has provided non-lethal support such as fuel, medical supplies, and training to help Ukraine modernize its forces.

With the war in Ukraine now entering its fourth year, NATO has stationed 500,000 troops in high readiness across Europe. However, concerns remain about whether European nations can sustain this level of preparedness without full U.S. backing.

Defense spending has been a contentious issue within NATO for years. In 2014, allies committed to raising their military budgets to at least 2% of their GDP. By 2023, a record 23 countries met that target, yet some, including Rutte, argue that spending should be raised even higher—potentially to 3%—to counter growing threats.

Despite these efforts, the gap between the U.S. and its allies remains vast. America’s defense budget still dwarfs those of other NATO members, giving it unmatched logistical and military capabilities. Now, with Washington pulling back from its leadership role, European nations must decide how to fill the void.

Hegseth’s statements have left NATO in uncharted waters. His insistence that NATO will not protect European nations involved in a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine raises pressing questions about how the alliance will function moving forward. If NATO’s most powerful member is stepping back, will the alliance remain a formidable military force, or will internal divisions weaken its credibility?

For now, NATO leaders are left to navigate an uncertain future. As tensions with Russia persist and global security threats evolve, the alliance’s ability to adapt may determine whether it remains a cornerstone of international stability—or a relic of the past.