SFDebate Political Discussion Meetup

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in the aftermath of World War II as a political-military alliance between the US, Canada, and 10 European nations. The primary purpose was to counter the expansion of the Soviet Union, and after its breakup, to counter military aggression by communist nations such as Russia and China. The organization expanded steadily during the Cold War, from the initial 12 to 32 member nations today. The last to join, namely Finland and Sweden, did so as a direct result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Article 5 of the Treaty commits member states to collective defense, treating an armed attack against one Ally as an attack against them all. What specifically constitutes an “armed attack” is not defined. But it requires unanimous consent among NATO allies to be invoked and specifically commits each member state to respond. The Article has only been invoked once in history: in response to the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

In addition to funding a central NATO command structure, members agree to spend on their own militaries. In 2014, they agreed to spend at least 2% of their respective GDPs on defense. In 2025, this was increased to 5% of respective GDPs by 2035. The United States currently contributes around 15% of the Alliance’s budget. In 2026 it will spend 3.5% of its GDP on defense.

Over the decades, NATO has enjoyed widespread bipartisan support in Washington. However, polling by Pew Research shows outlooks toward NATO growing increasingly partisan over the past 15 years. This is especially true with the elections of Donald Trump. In a recent poll, 60% of Republicans now say the US benefits “not too much” or “not at all” from being part of the alliance, marking the first time a majority of Republicans expressed such views. Overall, views towards NATO remain positive, with 59% saying the US still benefits from being a member.

Arguments in FAVOR of Withdrawal
Those who argue for withdrawal state that political and military conditions throughout the world have changed since the days of the Soviet Union. The combined military and economic capacity of European NATO members exceeds those of our biggest enemies Russia and China. Eastern Europe is no longer the priority theater for US engagement, and our national security interests are not served by continued membership. Subsidizing European security, as the US does, disincentivizes European allies from sufficient spending on their own defense.

In the era of weapons of mass destruction, warlike postures such as those taken by NATO are ultimately counterproductive, and will inevitably result in global catastrophe for humankind.

Arguments AGAINST Withdrawal
Those who argue against withdrawal, point to the relative level of peace that such a large alliance has afforded members. NATO is much more than just a military alliance. Members cooperate on wide political and security fronts. The United States needs such cooperation far beyond its borders to ensure its own security. Our military assets, including nuclear forces, are spread throughout Europe in order to more quickly counter global threats. Withdrawing those assets would impact our ability to respond. China is increasingly threatening American military superiority in the world, with technologies that rival or even exceed ours. We need all the allies we can get!

What do you think? Join SFDebate to voice your opinion and hear those of others, as we debate this explosive issue. The debate will be conducted online over Zoom, with a speaker In favor of - and a speaker against- the motion. Meetup will display a link to the online meeting once you RSVP to the event. Initial arguments by speakers will be followed by a floor debate, with everyone invited to speak. Although encouraged to, no-one is required to speak. People with video on are seen as more effective, although this is not a requirement either. This is a Free event.

For further reading:

1. The North Atlantic Treaty is only 14 paragraphs long and is surprisingly easy to read, without legal jargon.
2. "Collective defence and Article 5", from NATO's own website.
3. "Withdrawal from NATO -- United States" from WIkipedia.

Links in favor:

1. H.R. 6508, the "Not A Trusted Organization Act", by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY): read the "Findings" section (December 9, 2025)
2. "The Dissolution of NATO May Be the Only Way to Prevent WWIII", by Dennis Kucinich (July 11, 2023)
3. "NATO: The Case To Get Out Now", by David Stockman (March 6, 2025)

Links Against:

1. "Why the U.S. leaving NATO is not such a good idea", Aviation History (February 4, 2025)
2. "What would happen if the US left Nato?", by Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week (April 7, 2026)
3. "Trump has threatened to leave NATO over Iran. There are few signs that’s happening", by Jack Detsch, Connor O'Brien and Victor Jack, Politico (April 1, 2026)