The Effect of Changing US Government Policy on North Central Europe

Field Reichart grew up with a retail family business that imported goods from around the world. He travelled for the business and later worked for the State of Michigan in the office for trade. In 1981, Field was part of a Rotary Group Study Exchange trip to Papua New Guinea. This had a major influence on his understanding of the world. He reminded us that the United States comprises only 4% of the world's population. His observations were primarily from his trip to Europe earlier this year.

In 1989, Field was in Poland observing the first democratic election after the fall of the Soviet Union. He watched the development of democracy since then and kept in touch with a wide range of society.

Earlier this year, he revisited several northern European countries and talked to a diverse group of citizens. The US commitment to NATO has been very confusing to the allies. The NATO members have been used to guidance from the US, and the current administration has not been helpful.

The business climate has been adversely affected by tariffs, and this has caused chaos even for countries that don't export directly to the US. Many economies are linked and provide goods and services to exporting countries.

The Europeans are participating more in their own defense, but concern is growing that the US can't be trusted. Polls in Poland show a decline in public trust in the US from 80% to around 30%. In Estonia, a media executive friend of Field told him that the odds are 41% that the Russians will invade Estonia. NATO members Slovakia and Hungary are heavily influenced by Russian propaganda and have been reticent to move forward with more defense preparations.

Field concludes that it is important for the US to have a consistent, non-partisan foreign policy.