US Ambassador Says US Not Trying to Harm NATO or World Order

Some people in Europe are worried that the US might change its support for NATO and the world order. The US Ambassador to NATO says this is not true and that the US still supports the alliance. He also said Europe should take on more defense tasks. This is happening as leaders meet at the Munich Security Conference.
By Newsroom | International Relations, Europe |

Rising Tensions and Allied Questions

Allies of the United States are expressing apprehension regarding shifts in US security policy and its impact on NATO and the global order. These concerns have been amplified by reports and statements suggesting a departure from established alliances and a potential reassessment of US commitments. The Munich Security Conference (MSC) report highlighted that a significant challenge to the current international order might originate from within the US itself, specifically concerning the evolving stance of its administration. This has led to questions about the reliability of US assurances and has prompted European nations to consider greater autonomy in their defense strategies.

Context of Shifting Alliances and Strained Relations

Recent events and statements have brought these anxieties to the forefront. A report from the Munich Security Conference pointed to a "dramatic shift" in the US administration's thinking regarding alliances, a sentiment echoed by concerns from Ukraine's ambassador to the UK. These views contrast sharply with assertions made by US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, who explicitly rejected claims that the US seeks to dismantle NATO or disrupt the existing world order.

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Key points in the timeline and developing narrative include:

  • February 2025: Reports from NPR and The Guardian detail growing European uncertainty about US reliability, fueled by a perceived widening split between the US and Europe. These reports highlight fears that US leadership might prioritize independent deals, potentially bypassing allies, as seen in the US's vote against condemning Russia at the UN General Assembly.

  • March 2025: Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Mr. Zaluzhnyi, stated that the US is "destroying" the world order, adding that the White House has "questioned the unity of the whole Western world." These comments followed public disagreements between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, and a US freeze on military aid to Ukraine.

  • April 2025: The Robert Lansing Institute published analysis suggesting Trump's policies could reduce US influence over European security and push European allies toward alternative arrangements, citing his view of NATO as a financial drain.

  • February 2026: US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, speaking at the MSC, directly countered critical reports. He asserted that the US is not aiming to dismantle NATO or undermine the world order and indicated an expectation for Europe to "share the burden and ultimately take over conventional defence" of the continent. He also mentioned efforts to "boost NATO’s role in the region and defuse tensions" with allies.

Divergent Perspectives on US Intentions

There appears to be a significant divergence in how US actions and intentions are perceived by various actors.

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The Case for US Commitment to NATO

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has been a vocal proponent of the US's continued commitment to NATO and the existing international framework.

  • Whitaker explicitly "completely reject[ed]" criticisms presented in the Munich Security Conference report, stating, "US not trying to dismantle Nato or undermine current world order."

  • He conveyed that the US expects Europe to "share the burden and ultimately take over conventional defence" of the European continent, framing this as a partnership rather than an abdication of responsibility.

  • He also alluded to US actions aimed at bolstering NATO's role in specific regions and alleviating friction with allies.

Concerns Regarding US Reliability and Intent

Conversely, several reports and statements from European and Ukrainian officials raise substantial doubts about the US's long-term commitment and its impact on global stability.

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  • The MSC report warned of challenges to the liberal international order stemming from "the dramatic shift in the US administration’s thinking about its alliances."

  • Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Zaluzhnyi, directly accused the US of "destroying" the world order and questioning the unity of the Western world.

  • NPR noted US actions, such as voting against condemning Russia at the UN, and highlighted fears that President Trump might abandon NATO's mutual defense pledge.

  • The Robert Lansing Institute indicated that Trump's policies challenge NATO's stability and push allies toward alternative security arrangements.

European Strategic Rethinking

The perceived shifts in US policy have spurred European nations to contemplate their own security architectures and increase their defense autonomy.

  • Wolfgang Ischinger, chair of the Munich Security Conference, expressed hope that the conference would lead Europe to move "from discussions to taking ‘more credible, meaningful decisions on foreign policy and security’."

  • The Robert Lansing Institute noted that European allies are questioning Washington's reliability, leading to discussions about "greater European defense autonomy."

  • Concerns have grown among European leaders that US actions might lead to NATO's diminishment or the exploration of alternative alliances.

Expert Analysis and Observations

The discourse surrounding the US role in global security and its commitment to NATO is multifaceted, with differing interpretations of stated policies and observed actions.

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  • Wolfgang Ischinger observed that Russia continues to "pretend to be willing to negotiate" on Ukraine while actions on the ground suggest otherwise, presenting a significant challenge for Europe. He also remarked, "I think the United States is giving us the best ever reason to take these questions seriously," implying that US actions, regardless of intent, necessitate European strategic adaptation.

  • The Robert Lansing Institute posited that Trump's views of NATO as a "financial drain rather than a vital security alliance" have "far-reaching implications, challenging the alliance’s stability."

Conclusion and Implications

The assertion by US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker that the US is not seeking to dismantle NATO or undermine the world order stands in contrast to significant concerns voiced by Ukrainian officials and analyses of US policy shifts. While Ambassador Whitaker frames US expectations as a call for Europe to assume greater responsibility within a collaborative framework, reports indicate a broader sentiment of unease regarding US reliability and its long-term commitment to allied security.

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The evident discrepancy between official reassurances and the interpretation of US actions by allies and analysts suggests a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. The ongoing discussions at forums like the Munich Security Conference underscore a European impetus to develop more independent and credible security and foreign policy decision-making capabilities.

The situation prompts a continued focus on:

  • The concrete actions and policy implementations of the US administration concerning NATO and international alliances.

  • The specific strategies and commitments European nations will develop to enhance their own defense and security autonomy.

  • The ongoing dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine and its influence on transatlantic relations and global security perceptions.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some European countries worried about?
Some countries in Europe worry that the US might change its support for NATO and the global order. They fear the US might make its own deals instead of working with allies.
Q: What did the US Ambassador to NATO say?
US Ambassador Matthew Whitaker said the US is not trying to break apart NATO or hurt the world order. He said the US expects Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.
Q: What is NATO?
NATO is a group of countries that promise to help each other if one is attacked. It is important for the security of many nations.
Q: What is the Munich Security Conference?
This is a big meeting where leaders and experts talk about important security issues around the world.