As the NATO summit returns to Washington, D.C., for the first time in 25 years, President Joe Biden faces two distinct tests: securing a fracturing NATO alliance and uniting his party around his capacity to lead.
Other members of NATO are not meeting their treaty obligations. Canada, in particular, has emerged as a key point of frustration within NATO ranks. The country has consistently fallen short of its commitment to increase domestic military spending, failing to meet benchmarks for funding new equipment with no clear plans to remedy the situation. This is despite an economy primed for government investment.
Max Bergmann, a former State Department arms control official, highlighted the growing concern: “With everyone else ramping up their defense expenditures, Canada’s conspicuous lack of effort has become glaringly apparent.” Diplomats within NATO have expressed significant frustration over Canada’s complacency, especially given its robust economy juxtaposed with severe deficiencies in military capability.
An internal report, leaked to the press, paints a grim picture: approximately half of Canada’s military equipment is “unavailable and unserviceable,” underscoring the urgent need for reform and investment. Canada’s lack of adherence shows its lack of support for its allies and previous commitments. They cannot expect to receive the same benefits if they fail to hold up their end of the bargain.
This situation has exacerbated tensions within NATO, where solidarity and mutual defense capabilities are critical amid global geopolitical uncertainties. The disparity in military readiness among other members threatens to undermine the alliance’s cohesion. This could also undermine security goals, thus raising questions about Canada’s commitment to its NATO obligations in an increasingly complex international landscape.
The tests of Biden’s health are also put on display in his first large-scale public appearance since his presidential debate. Jokes have been made across outlets about Biden being older than the alliance itself, so how could he work to support it. Since the debate calls for Biden to resign have grown by members of both parties. Biden is currently rumored to have been treated for Parkinson’s disease.
After days of conflicting statements about the president’s medical situation, the White House continuously insisted that it was “not warranted” for the president to have a new cognitive test and didn’t fully explain why a physician who specializes in Parkinson’s disease met with Biden. As the public begins to scrutinize his mental fitness ahead of the November election, every move and word from President Biden will face intense scrutiny.
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This summit transcends mere alliance-building. It serves as a critical litmus test for Biden’s leadership. His ability to sway voters and reassure both domestic and international audiences hinges on his performance. The eyes of the world are fixed on his responses and how he navigates potential provocations, gauging the United States’s stance on global issues.
NATO finds itself in a state of deep fracture and uncertainty. Amid these challenges, Biden stands at a pivotal juncture where he could initiate a process of healing and consolidation for the alliance. His actions in this summit could set the tone for future engagements, signaling whether he can reassert America’s leadership role and foster unity among allies. Given these challenges, I would propose that we doubt the success of this summit.