[CaptainCrunch]

I thought that this should almost be a separate thread because the Donald Trump Thread has become a mismash of confusion. Plus this topic could really be a world defining topic.

We've seen Trump talking very publically about NATO and it hasn't exactly been flattering. He's called it obsolete. He's groused about Alliance Members not living up to their treaty obligations. And in a few ways, I don't believe he's wrong, but his timing certainly is.

Is NATO obsolete. possibly, the command structure and even the mission can be confusing. Its gone from a single focus organization based around the defense against the Eastern Bloc to a multinational anti-terrorist organization, a armed response team for the UN, and a shelter organization for weak nations under threat.

At the same time when you look at the spending requirements of 2% of GNP, only Poland, Estonia, the UK and Greece spend to the requirement. Everyone else lags far behind.

At the same time is staying in NATO really in the US interests anymore? From a military perspective, I believe that Trump does believe that no matter what happens the US will be called on and respond to international military crisis and the American removal from NATO will allow the American's to pick and choose their fights without being constrained by NATO articles. So if for example Turkey gets attacked and calls for NATO aid the American's can refuse and say its not in their best interests. the same with the Russian threats in Europe.

This can also go hand in hand with the UN, if the UN calls for NATO intervention, they would also have to ask for American aid separately, which would allow the American's to push their own agenda in the UN as a separate entity.

At the same time, if America stepped out of NATO it would allow them to restructure their alliances and pick and choose who they're going to work with and what the conditions will be in terms of allying with a super power.

You might see the forced renegotiation of NORAD for example, where the Americans basically tell Canada to start spending money or else the US will take core responsibility for aero defense of North America and Canada will have no say.

You could see a specific Northern Atlantic Alliance with the UK and Germany and the US for example.

Or you could see NATO without the US and America being asked to intervene or supply men, equipment and logistics.

I tend to think that even the staunchest trump Allies in the US wouldn't be on board with a move that would dissolve NATO and probably give an open hand to Russia in Europe and the Middle East.

However if this is merely a move for Trump to force a renegotiation of NATO and a redefinition of leadership and rules in NATO then its not exactly a terrible move. Its just heavy handed and threat heavy.

The timing of it is pretty terrible though especially with a resurgent Russian Military. The panic in Poland would be fairly large if America decided to blackmail a renegotiation of NATO based around the removal of forces from Poland.

I do believe that NATO needs to be re-defined as the two biggest problems sorry three biggest problems are mission creep and a confusing mandate. Allies that are doing too much coat tail riding in terms of defense spending, and a poor command structure.

I also believe that Trump believes that if he does do something like pulling out of NATO he can save money in terms of bringing his forces home and redefining his Forces Structures and Rules of Engagement.