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It's one thing to think last Admin was too tough on allies re burden sharing. But it doesn't make sense to go back to *saying* allies needed to do more but *clearly telegraphing* there will be little to no consequences for failing to shoulder their part of the burden. Some egs 1/
SD "charms NATO allies" & "mood lovey-dovey" according to @herszenhorn. "US sounded like friend...felt refreshing... participants in the meeting said." SD "emphasized that [allies'] contributions are also measured by how used, not just by size." 2/ https://www.politico.eu/article/lloyd-austin-charms-allies-during-nato-debut/
SD "offered a message of thanks and urged [allies] to keep up the good work." Does that sound like pressure on allies to spend more? Not to me. Sounds like telegraphing 0 consequences for free-riding. How's that going to enable focus on PRC/Asia? How's that fair to Americans? 3/
& here: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/539290-us-japan-extend-cost-sharing-pact-for-hosting-american-troops. @PentagonPresSec says: US is "v grateful for support we get from Japanese government." Um, Japan MUST spend more on defense. Yet US is expressing gratitude for $1.9 billion subsidy while Tokyo sticks to 1% of GDP? Japan needs to be pressed. 4/
BLUF: It's one thing to criticize Trump Admin for being too caustic & tough. But US *MUST* make translucently clear to allies they need to do more, esp NATO/Germany & Japan. Pressure shld be targeted, strategic & pointed - but it must be real pressure. 5/
