Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- July 10, 2018

Zalmay Khalilzad, National Interest: A Strategic Reset for NATO

Donald Trump's criticism that the alliance isn't fit for form is valid. NATO needs an overhaul.

At the NATO summit this week, President Donald Trump will undoubtedly criticize allies for not spending enough on defense and for pursuing their own economic wellbeing, in part at the expense of the United States. The president has been lambasted for criticizing U.S. allies and indeed, our alliances are important and represent some of the greatest achievements of U.S. foreign policy. However, Trump’s criticisms are justified. NATO must reform; it is not sustainable in its present form.

The alliance is ill-structured, ill-equipped and ill-financed to deal with the European region’s two major security problems—an aggressive Russia and the spillover of instability and terrorism from the Middle East and North Africa—leaving aside emerging global security challenges. Worse, at times some members can even be said to have enabled the threat. One example being the massive German purchase of Russian gas, which provides Putin with ongoing financing. To deal effectively with these challenges on an equitable and sustained basis among allies, the terms of the partnership must be renegotiated and its common ground redefined. This is in Europe’s best interest too.

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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- July 10, 2018

Addressing the Threat from Russia Must Be Front and Center at the 2018 NATO Summit -- Luke Coffey and Daniel Kochis, Heritage Foundation

It Still Doesn’t Get Worse Than Afghanistan -- Stephen M. Walt, Foreign Policy

When Trump Realizes Kim Isn’t Giving Up His Nukes, It Won’t Be Pretty -- Ankit Panda, Daily Beast

North Korea Negotiations: A Prelude to More Fire and Fury? -- Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, RCD

China resets the tone of US-North Korea talks -- Bertil Lintner, Asia Times

New U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Reflects China Concerns -- Koya Jibiki, Nikkei Asian Review

China’s Polar Strategy: An Emerging Gray Zone? -- Rebecca Pincus, The Diplomat

Why China Wants A Super Rocket Like NASA's Space Launch System -- Loren Thompson, Forbes

The Economic Roots of Iran’s Unrest -- James Robbins, National Interst

Iraq endures the crucible, and emerges transformed -- Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, Army Times

The World’s Worst Industrial Disaster Is Still Unfolding -- Apoorva Mandavilli, The Atlantic

Brexit Blunder? -- Peter Zeihan, RCW

Mexico’s Next Crisis Will Arrive From the South -- Shannon O'Neil, CFR

How To Avoid a Trade War -- Dani Rodrik, Project Syndicate

Stuck in trade war, US and China face uncertain path to deal -- Paul Wiseman and Christopher Rugaber, AP

The Global Economy’s Uncertain Future -- Jim O'Neill, Project Syndicate