Sevim Dağdelen, a German MP and member of the Wagenknecht Alliance, has criticized Germany's membership in NATO, calling for a reevaluation of its role and suggesting a shift toward policies emphasizing peace over military alliances. Speaking during NATO's 75th anniversary summit, she described NATO as a "war alliance" rather than a defensive pact, pointing to historical instances such as the wars in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya as examples of aggression carried out under its banner.
Dağdelen also highlighted what she views as contradictions in NATO's claims of upholding democracy and human rights, citing historical alliances with authoritarian regimes and complicity in controversial military actions. She framed NATO’s continued support for Ukraine in the war against Russia as a strategy that prioritizes militarization over addressing domestic needs like healthcare and housing. Her stance aligns with a broader critique of NATO's expansion and policies, which she believes undermine global peace efforts
This perspective has sparked debate in Germany, reflecting divisions within the country's political landscape over foreign policy and defense priorities, especially regarding NATO's role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a broader context, Sevim Dağdelen's criticisms of NATO reflect a growing strain within European politics where certain factions advocate for reassessing ties to transatlantic alliances. She has suggested that NATO's activities have often contradicted its stated mission of collective defense, citing military interventions and what she perceives as its role in perpetuating global conflicts. Dağdelen also argues that resources allocated to NATO could instead address pressing social issues within member states.
This sentiment resonates with parts of Germany's far-left and far-right political spectrum, both of which have questioned the financial and political costs of NATO membership, especially regarding military aid to Ukraine. Their critiques often emphasize a desire for a more independent European security policy, free from U.S. influence.