EU: Transforming post-Trump NATO into an Opportunity

An opportunity to end the Exceptionalism that curtails Human Rights and International Rule of Law.

European Democracies should start a, new, NATO-like military Alliance on their own, but without Trump's America, and completely replace US-made equipment with indigenous solutions.

(and without the notorious US-made military equipment kill-switches)

And while we're at it, this time will be different:

Instead of the membership criteria being anti-soviet communism, as in NATO, it should be effective Liberal Democracy - and - Freedom from Exceptionalist Exemptions, namely from the International Rule of Law. So, to be part:

1. Compulsory International Criminal Court membership and compliance - hence no exceptionalistic US, no exceptionalistic Israel - and now, no Orbanic Hungary.

2. No "Illiberal Democracies": say, for example, a composite of a minimum 0.67 score on the WJP Rule of Law Index and others: therefore no Orbanic Hungary, and no illiberal others like it. Poland, Slovakia, Italy: time to make some hard choices if you want in.

3. Democratic backsliding removes you rights in the Alliance, and, can proportionally lead to outright expulsion.

Not one more new military equipment purchase from the US, (and dispreference for other non-qualifying nations procurement). Member nations should use their - substantial - industrial capacity to equip themselves with indigenous military materiel.

Hey, it would be actually great for the economy!

Initially European scope, but bridges to a broader global scope (or even a secondary sister-Alliance) with open-ended partnerships with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and yes: Taiwan.

Progress can be multi-staged:
First, the Alliance can start by focusing on joint procurement synergies to replace US-made equipment as soon as possible. Then, progress to operational military cooperation: cooperation first strategic, then tactical.

Some years after, US and/or Israel want to join, if a more Democratic future selves? Simple: fully join the ICC, and meet the Alliance's full criteria as every other member.

Same applies for prospective new members.

Sweden shows how principled positions can be maintained while building serious defense capabilities. Now multiply that model by Europe's combined industrial and technological base.

We just need the political will to execute - instead of rolling over and wagging our tail to bullies.