NATO remains popular, but America is losing confidence: no more guaranteed security in Europe

A new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center among 45,658 adults in 37 NATO member states reveals that public support for the alliance remains robust despite growing concerns over American reliability. The findings indicate that in 13 countries, more than two-thirds of respondents hold a positive view of NATO, with an average of 65 percent expressing approval. In Poland, the level of trust is even higher, with 78 percent of respondents holding a favorable opinion of the alliance. Similar levels of confidence are observed in Sweden, Germany, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where around seven out of ten citizens support NATO. However, the situation is markedly different in Greece and Turkey, where nearly 60 percent of respondents have a negative perception of the alliance. Support has also declined in France, Italy, and the United States compared to previous years. The data highlights a deepening political divide within the United States, where public sentiment toward NATO diverges sharply along partisan lines. According to the survey, 75 percent of Democrats rate NATO positively, while only 42 percent of Republicans share this view. This suggests that although NATO remains popular among many Americans, there is increasing skepticism among Republican voters regarding its effectiveness and the reliability of U.S. commitments. The findings underscore a broader trend of declining trust in American leadership, particularly concerning its ability to uphold security guarantees without political conditions. International surveys further reveal a sharp decline in perceptions of the United States as a reliable partner. For example, in Canada, the percentage of people who view the U.S. as a trustworthy ally dropped from 83 percent in 2022 to just 35 percent. Across much of Europe, fewer than half of respondents believe that Washington respects the interests of its allies in foreign policy decisions. The implications of these trends extend beyond domestic politics, raising questions about the future role of NATO in European defense strategy. At the recent NATO summit in Ankara, members reviewed progress toward meeting the goal of allocating 2 percent of GDP to defense spending by 2035. While European nations and Canada have reportedly reached approximately four percent of their target, the lack of consensus on how to achieve this goal reflects deeper divisions over responsibility and capability. General Secretary Mark Rutte noted that the alliance must adapt to ensure continued relevance, especially as European nations increasingly question whether they can rely on U.S. military support during crises. In Slovenia, similar concerns are emerging. A Median poll found that 45.8 percent of respondents believe NATO will remain intact, though they expect Europe to take on greater responsibilities. Only 10.6 percent anticipate the alliance’s collapse or loss of significance. Meanwhile, 44 percent of Slovenians no longer see the United States as a reliable military ally under President Donald Trump, with an additional 31.2 percent expressing partial trust. These figures suggest a shift in public expectations, with many Slovenians rejecting the notion that increased funding necessarily translates into more weapons. Instead, a majority—38.7 percent, would prefer additional resources be directed toward civilian protection, cybersecurity, and dual-use capabilities, while 29 percent favor investment in domestic defense industries. Public sentiment across NATO member states appears to be moving toward a clearer understanding: NATO provides security, but reliance on Washington alone is no longer seen as sufficient. Many citizens now emphasize the need for self-reliance and strategic autonomy, arguing that true security comes from solutions that benefit both national interests and local populations. This evolving perspective challenges traditional notions of collective defense and underscores the necessity for NATO to evolve alongside changing geopolitical realities. The historical context of Slovenia's relationship with NATO adds another layer to this discussion. Having been part of Yugoslavia, a country that maintained a neutral stance toward both Western and Eastern blocs, Slovenia continues to grapple with complex identity issues. Unlike countries such as Poland or Baltic states, which endured direct Soviet influence, Slovenia lacks the same historical trauma. Nevertheless, the perception of Russia as a threat persists, albeit often oversimplified in public discourse. This dynamic contributes to a nuanced view of NATO, one that acknowledges its value without assuming unconditional loyalty to American leadership. As the alliance faces mounting pressure to redefine its purpose, the challenge lies in balancing solidarity with sovereignty, ensuring that NATO remains relevant while addressing the legitimate concerns of its members.