The U.S. needs strong Allies [INTERVIEW]

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, Poland has become a central pillar of NATO’s Eastern Flank and a key U.S. ally in Europe. With rising defence spending and a focus on real operational capabilities, Warsaw is no longer just a host nation—it’s a frontline actor in deterrence. But as Washington balances commitments across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the future of transatlantic security will depend on shared responsibility. In this interview, Dr. Aleksander Olech speaks with Dr. James Jay Carafano, a leading American expert on strategy and defence, about what comes next for NATO and why Poland’s role is more important than ever.

Dr. Aleksander Olech: How do you assess the strategic importance of Poland in America’s broader security architecture, and what more can be done to strengthen the U.S.–Polish defence relationship beyond deterrence and troop presence?

Dr. James Carafano: Poland is absolutely essential to conventional deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank. I would even say Poland in 2025 plays a role similar to what West Germany did for the U.S. in 1945. But I don’t think U.S. troop presence alone is the key factor—it’s not just about flags on the map. What really deters Russia is Poland’s ability to defend itself credibly and independently. That’s why the most valuable part of the U.S. presence is enabling capabilities: logistics, intelligence, air and missile defence integration. The way forward is deepening those enablers and helping Poland become even more self-reliant militarily.

In light of Russia’s continued aggression and hybrid operations, how should NATO enhance its posture on the Eastern Flank to ensure credible, long-term deterrence—especially in the Baltic and Black Sea regions?

J.C.: NATO needs to focus on five priorities. First, increasing the self-defence capabilities of frontline states—countries like Poland, Romania, and the Baltics must be able to hold the line. Second, credible deep-strike capability: showing we can destroy Russian forces and key targets before they ever cross into NATO territory. Third, serious investment in air, missile, and cyber defence to protect civilian infrastructure and military assets. Fourth, strong logistics and infrastructure to sustain rapid response and reinforcement. And fifth, enhancing maritime capacity so that the Black Sea remains contested—not dominated by Russia—and the Baltic is securely within NATO’s operational reach.

Which theater of war currently represents the most critical strategic challenge for the United States, and how should Washington prioritize its military resources between Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East?

J.C.: All three regions—Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East—are vital. The U.S. doesn’t have the luxury of choosing just one. But that doesn’t mean we apply the same strategy everywhere. In Europe, the focus is on conventional deterrence and alliance integration. In the Indo-Pacific, it’s about forward naval presence and technology-driven deterrence. In the Middle East, it’s about maintaining stability and preventing terrorist resurgence. The real challenge is managing global commitments without being overstretched—and that requires strong allies taking more responsibility.

How can NATO allies—particularly those in Central and Eastern Europe—help sustain strong U.S. engagement in Europe, while addressing concerns in Washington about overextension and alliance fatigue?

J.C.: The most important thing they can do is build up their defence industrial base and invest in real capabilities that match NATO’s strategic needs. That includes everything from deep strike and integrated air and missile defence to cyber resilience and secure infrastructure. If frontline countries are doing their part, it shows Washington that these allies are serious—not just relying on U.S. protection but actively contributing to the alliance. That makes it much easier to keep U.S. political support strong, even when there’s domestic debate over resources and focus.

Thank you!

Dr. James Jay Carafano is Senior Counselor to the President and E.W. Richardson Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. A 25-year U.S. Army veteran, he previously served as Vice President of Heritage’s national security and foreign policy division. An accomplished historian, Carafano has written extensively on warfare, cyber conflict, and American grand strategy. He holds degrees from West Point, Georgetown University, and the U.S. Army War College, and has taught at West Point, the National Defense University, and Georgetown. His work frequently informs U.S. policymakers and appears across major media platforms worldwide.