Introduction: In September 2023, the news of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's imminent resignation came out, and the position of NATO head became the focus of competition among countries. The United States proposed that Stoltenberg be extended for another year, but it ran into a difficult situation, because it was difficult to find a successor, and the spearhead was pointed at the dispute between Europe and the United States. A battle for the "choice of sides" between the heads of NATO has quietly unfolded on the European and American stages. The different positions of various countries and the undercurrents are surging, indicating that the future pattern of NATO may change as a result.
In response to Stoltenberg's imminent resignation from the post of NATO secretary general, the United States proposed that the current European Commission President von der Leyen take over, which has aroused heated discussions in various countries. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly opposes von der Leyen's nomination because of his tough stance on Russia, which may pose a potential risk to Europe and NATO. France is silent and ambiguous about this, advocating that an EU figure be the next NATO secretary general in order to balance the power of the United States and Europe. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has put forward its own candidates in an attempt to rebuild its influence in Europe after Brexit. The U.S. plan to "set the inside" may be difficult to implement due to differences in Europe.
The U.S. nomination of von der Leyen has sparked the focus of recent debates between Europe and the United States. The German side is firmly opposed, citing the Russian issue as an excuse to show concern for the stability of Europe. France remains neutral and wants the EU to balance power. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, is trying to regain its right to speak in Europe with a weak position, showing a state of game.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed strong opposition to von der Leyen's appointment as NATO secretary general, believing that she was too tough on Russia and could bring instability to NATO. Scholz was so firm that even Biden's proposal was decisively vetoed. Against the backdrop of the United States testing Germany's attitude, Germany still takes a tough stance on this issue, making it difficult for the United States to implement its "internal determination" plan.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz resolutely opposes von der Leyen's appointment as NATO secretary general and does not want Europe to be too aggressive on the Russian issue. The US deplorment has not succeeded, and Germany's attitude remains unshakable.
France remained silent throughout the controversy over the candidates, neither expressing support nor opposition. France's Macron has pointed out that the next NATO secretary general should be a member of the European Union to maintain the balance between Europe and the United States. Although France has not spoken about von der Leyen's nomination, it may have made up its mind in its heart.
France has chosen to wait and see when it comes to the selection of candidates, showing a calm attitude. Macron's demands may give France more initiative in the struggle between Europe and the United States, and safeguard Europe's interests and voice in NATO.
After "Brexit", Britain intends to reshape its position and influence in Europe by electing its own candidate to serve as NATO secretary general. Although Britain has not publicly opposed the U.S. nomination of von der Leyen, the move can be seen as a response to the U.S. internal plan. Britain's position in Europe is facing a new test, and the position of NATO leader will determine its future destiny.
After Brexit, Britain has tried to occupy the right to speak on the choice of NATO secretary general by means of putting forward its own candidates. Britain's move may affect the balance of power in Europe and build a new game pattern.
Von der Leyen was nominated as the next NATO secretary general, but was opposed by many parties. Her experience and performance in Germany** have been controversial, casting a shadow over her "internal" future. On the 20th, von der Leyen said that she would seek the post of president of the European Commission to consolidate her position. However, the EU is also in jeopardy, with Estonian Prime Minister Kallas emerging as a potential contender. Von der Leyen's choice will be the focus of the future, and the NATO battle will become more and more fierce in the personnel changes.
Von der Leyen, who has been nominated as NATO secretary general, faces a huge challenge, with opposition from many quarters. She chose to continue her candidacy for the presidency of the European Commission, but with great difficulty. European politics are changing and complex, and von der Leyen's fate will be revealed in the near future.
Germany's "stance on Russia" as an important factor in selecting NATO's secretary general shows that Europe does not want to go into confrontation with Russia and does not want to become a tool for pursuing strategic interests. Europe has long been increasingly sensitive to Russia, so the choice of NATO's head is all the more important. The attitudes of different countries towards Russia also hint at the direction and tendency of NATO's development in the future.
Germany's resolute opposition to von der Leyen has troubled the US plan for "internal determination" and may face failure. The United States must continue to look for the right person in the future to ensure that it maximizes its own interests and has the upper hand in the European game. In the face of uncertainty and disagreement in Europe, the choice of the United States will determine the course of NATO's future destiny.
Summary: In the battle for the head of NATO, the game between Europe and the United States is becoming more and more intense. The different positions of various countries on the issue of selecting NATO's secretary general reflect the interweaving of multiple factors such as interests, strength, and political positions. In the future, NATO's development will be profoundly affected by Sino-US relations, and the battle over candidates may trigger a larger political whirlpool. In this "internal determination" dilemma, it is still an unsolved mystery who will finally ascend to the position of head of NATO.