European leaders must walk a tightrope at The Hague: placate Trump to prevent NATO walkout while building real continental defense. The 5% GDP pledge keeps Trump satisfied in the short-term, but Europe needs a long-term strategy for reduced U.S. involvement. Countries such as the U.K., France, Germany, and Poland must take the reins and ensure that they work alongside Washington, and not for it.

NATO's war machine demands massive spending justified by fear mongering. This latest buildup targets Russia with disinformation while the establishment profits from militarization. Meanwhile, ordinary people protest NATO's complicity in widespread destruction. NATO chooses confrontation at every opportunity – it is time for the West to wake up and seek peace.