The myth was always more durable than the machinery. NATO presented itself as a collective security architecture; in practice, it functioned as a billing arrangement for American imperial overhead, in which European governments paid in treasure, territory, and political will for the privilege of hosting Washington’s forward operating positions.

Ummm, no. That’s the myth that NATO critics have always maintained. Actual NATO members have never seen it that way. The only time in history when the alliance was ever tested, was after 9/11…and most countries were incredibly hesitant to follow the US into war…especially against the vague idea of a “war on terror”. Their support was mostly ceremonial, and many member states straight-up refused to join the US when it invaded Iraq under false pretenses. The same is now true with Iran.