The abstract theoretical discussion among academics on the merits of a guarantee to not expand NATO or not is completely divorced from American domestic politics. Biden would be absolutely pummelled by his domestic critics if he even hinted at such a concession. THREAD 1/
The Republican talking points on Biden foreign policy are already crystal clear -- "Biden is weak." That's the phrase, which will be repeated for 3 years. Weak on China. Weak on Afghanistan. & if Putin invades OR Biden gives concessions, "Weak on Russia." 2/
Reminds me of talk about missile defense limits in the New START Treaty. Some had theoretical discussions about the relationship between offensive and defensive strategic systems. But politically, everyone knew that any constraint on MD was a poison pill for the treaty. 3/
NB, & to be clear, on the substance of the policy debate, I personally thought limits of missile defense was a bad idea in 2010 (although ending ABM treaty in 2002 was a bad idea) and limits on NATO expansion in 2022 is a bad idea. 4/ END
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