DISINFO: All NATO countries are subordinate to the US
SUMMARY
The levels of sovereignty and independence of the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent Countries, Eurasian Economic Union, or the Collective Security Treaty Organisation are much larger than of the NATO or EU countries. What would happen to any NATO country which dares to oppose the US’s intention to station a military base on its territory? The US does not have partners, all are subordinates. The West does not have a partnership culture. It sees other civilisations as those which have to be taught how to live. The British guidelines of communication with the aboriginal people read: if others do not get it, speak louder. This is the Western way of dealing with other countries.
RESPONSE
This disinformation message is aimed at undermining the image of the EU and NATO in light of allegedly more effective international organisations in the post-Soviet space in terms of inclusiveness in the decision making processes. It is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives on the EU and NATO member states' subordination to the US. Furthermore, the "lack of a partnership culture" argument is consistent with the pro-Kremlin narrative on the morally corrupt West aimed at portraying Russia as superior to the West in terms of values and morals. See earlier cases alleging that in contrast to Russia, western Europe is abandoning Christian roots and that unlike Russia, the West is not about fairness or solidarity and it degrades traditional values and endangers societies. The EU Member States are sovereign countries and make sovereign decisions about their own security and policies. The US is an important ally to the EU but EU policy is not determined by the US, as explained by the EU High Representative. When it comes to NATO's decisions, they are made by consensus, after discussion and consultation among member countries. Individual NATO member states have overseas bases on the basis of bilateral agreements and the principle of consent of the host-nation, in contrast with Russian bases on the territory of Moldova (Transnistria), Ukraine (the Autonomous Republic of Crimea) and Georgia (the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia). See earlier disinformation cases alleging that Europe is occupied by the US and has limited sovereignty, and the EU is directed by Washington.