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As initial Cold War concerns developed, the foundation of NATO sought to ensure a unified front against Soviet expansionism. The fears expressed about the United States' potential withdrawal were not isolated to Reagan's era; they extend back to the formation of NATO. Indeed, the anxiety that spurred the inception of the North Atlantic Treaty was born from a post-war desire to keep the Soviets out, the Americans in, and the Germans down.
Patterns of Doubt
This historical lens reveals a predictable cadence of worry regarding NATO's efficacy. From the 1950s with the failure of the European Defense Community to the 1960s when Charles De Gaulle withdrew France from NATO’s unified command, voices echoed concerns over the commitment of the U.S. in defending Europe against the Soviet threat.