Baltic Sea Nations Demonstrate How Europe Can Defend Itself Without US Military Support
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/elisabeth-braw. "Can Europe survive without US defence? Surprisingly, the Baltic sea nations are showing the way | Elisabeth Braw | The Guardian." February 20, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues that European countries, especially those around the Baltic Sea, are showing how Europe can defend itself without relying on America. Since Trump has threatened to abandon NATO allies, these countries have created their own joint patrols and surveillance systems that are working well against Russian threats.
Conclusion
The Baltic Sea nations' maritime cooperation initiatives provide a viable model for how NATO countries can maintain regional security without relying on US defense capabilities
Premises
- The US under Trump has threatened to abandon its NATO defense commitments and even suggested seizing territory from allies
- Baltic Sea nations have successfully developed joint maritime surveillance, patrolling, and information-sharing systems to counter Russian threats
- These regional initiatives (Nordic Warden AI tool, Baltic Sentry patrols, shadow vessel inspections) have proven effective in protecting critical infrastructure
- Other countries like France are adopting similar approaches, showing the model's broader applicability
- European public opinion shows declining confidence in US willingness to defend allies (only 25% of Swedes, 49% of Britons believe US would help)
- Localized cooperation allows NATO countries to secure their regions independently while still maintaining alliance benefits
Assumptions
- US commitment to European defense will continue to decline under current leadership
- Regional cooperation can effectively substitute for superpower protection
- Russia will continue to pose threats requiring coordinated responses
- International maritime law provides sufficient framework for defensive actions
- Smaller coalitions can achieve security objectives without compromising NATO's overall structure