The difference would lie in our weakness that would allow Russia to put pressure on us, unto war if necessary. Therefore, belonging to NATO is a guarantee of peace for Estonia. There are only two choices where we are: you can either be a NATO member or belong to Russia’s sphere of influence.
Could core NATO members entertain other choices? It seemed that NATO was not high on the priorities list of the previous U.S. president, whereas we cannot rule out others having similar ideas. Could other members ask themselves why they need us?
Interestingly enough, protecting small countries was the impulse that created NATO. Let us recall President Harry Truman’s 1949 Senate speech in which he explained the need for NATO and its benefit for the States. He talks at length about small counties for which solidarity is especially important.
Great wars have started from disputes over small countries. Peace in Europe mattered to the Americans after they had to come to the aid of Europeans twice in the 20th century. It was a very strong motivator.
Can we still say that in the current global-strategic situation where China has become America’s main adversary?
USA will continue to stand firm in the defense of its European allies, while China has indeed become a major topic. The Americans are increasingly seeing China as a security threat and a military one in the Southeast Asia region. Europe is more ambivalent when it comes to China.