DISINFO: NATO is Washington’s territorial expansion mechanism
SUMMARY
Europe neglected its security and it is now at the mercy of the US and NATO. The US managed to control many European interests without the need of a war, but rather through its military, political and economic weakening. The US found in NATO a territorial expansion mechanism, which quickly became the spearhead of the US in Europe and left the continent without any political independence.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about NATO and Europe’s alleged lack of sovereignty.
Contrary to what this disinformation narrative affirms, NATO is not a “US territorial expansion mechanism” nor “left Europe without political independence”, but it is a collective defence alliance whose membership is voluntary, and where decisions are adopted through consultation and consensus. NATO member countries don’t follow US orders but have their own agency, as proven by multiple episodes of disagreements inside the alliance, such as the refusal of Germany, France and other countries to let it take part in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 against US wishes or, more recently, Hungary and Turkey’s obstruction for Sweden and Finland to join the block.
Countries apply, according to their own democratic procedures, for becoming NATO-members, the Organisation does not "expand" or "swallow" countries.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that NATO became US armed wing ensuring the control of energy resources, that Europe has become a US military and political colony, that Russia should negotiation only with Washington because 90 percent of NATO is the US, or that Europe is happy with being cannon fodder for the US.