As the Atlantic Alliance faces its greatest test, former President Joe Biden warns of a dangerous shift in European politics and the erosion of democracy. In a candid interview, he argues that the alliance’s success is under threat from Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.
The Atlantic Alliance: A Sacred Obligation
In a candid interview, Joe Biden discusses his thoughts on Donald Trump‘s presidency and the future of the Atlantic Alliance. The former president, who left office just over 100 days ago, has been watching much of what he believes in being swept away by his successor.
A Sacred Obligation
NATO‘s promise to defend every inch of its territory is a sacred obligation, according to Biden. ‘We’re the only nation in a position to have the capacity to bring people together, [to] lead the world,’ he argues. The alliance has been questioned more than ever before, with some of Trump‘s allies claiming that it is time for Europe to give in to Russia.
The Atlantic Alliance, also known as NATO, was formed in 1949 by 12 Western countries.
Its primary goal is to provide collective defense against potential security threats.
The alliance was established in response to the Soviet Union's expansion and the Cold War.
The founding members included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, and United States.
Biden believes that the Atlantic Alliance is being tested like never before. ‘I think it would change the modern history of the world if that occurs,’ he says. ‘We’ve done it well for the last 80 years, and I’m worried there’s a loss of understanding of the consequences of that.‘
The Threat to Democracy
The concept of democracy has been present in European history since ancient Greece.
The modern democratic system, however, emerged in the 18th century with the 'liberty, equality, and fraternity' emphasis on the French Revolution's.
The European Union's establishment in 1993 further solidified democratic values across member states.
Today, Europe boasts a diverse range of democracies, from parliamentary to presidential systems.
According to the 'Economist Intelligence Unit', 22 out of 27 EU countries are considered full democracies.
Biden is concerned about the threat to democracy in Europe. ‘Instead of democracy expanding around the world, [it’s] receding,’ he says. He believes that President Trump‘s approach could send a dangerous message to Europe, suggesting it’s time to give in to Russia.
A Monarch, Not a Republican President
Biden thinks that Trump is not behaving like a Republican president. ‘He’s not behaving like a Republican president,’ he says carefully. Instead, he argues that Trump is behaving more like a monarch, with a focus on personal power rather than the well-being of the country.
The Ukraine Question
Biden has faced accusations that he gave President Zelensky just enough support to resist invasion but not enough to defeat Russia. However, Biden argues that he did give Ukraine everything they needed to provide for their independence and was prepared to respond more aggressively if Putin moved again.
A Lesson in Leadership
Biden‘s experience as a leader has taught him the importance of putting the country above personal interests. ‘Anybody who thinks Putin’s going to stop is foolish,’ he says. He believes that Trump‘s approach is modern-day appeasement, and that it could have serious consequences for the world.
Vladimir Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad, Soviet Union.
He graduated from the Leningrad State University with a degree in international law.
Putin's career began as a KGB agent before entering politics.
He served as Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and then as President from 2000 to 2008.
After a four-year term as Prime Minister, Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 and has remained in office since.
His policies have been marked by efforts to reassert Russian influence globally.
The Loss of Understanding
Biden worries that there’s a loss of understanding of the consequences of the Atlantic Alliance’s success. ‘Every generation has to fight to maintain democracy, every one,’ he says. He believes that the alliance has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy and is essential to maintaining global stability.
A Different World
The world is changing, and people like Joe Biden are taking for granted what they’ve always had. The United States voted to reject his policies and values in favor of Donald Trump‘s ‘America First‘ agenda. However, Biden remains committed to the principles that have guided America for over 80 years.
