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2mo ago

Trump’s Push for NATO Allies to Raise Defense Spending to 5% Faces Resistance

NATO members grapple with budgetary constraints and industrial capacity as U.S. prioritizes deterring China and Russia’s military spending surges.

A Leopard 2 A6 main battle tank carries out manoeuvres during a visit by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to the Bundeswehr's Panzerbataillon 203 tank squadron on February 1, 2023 in Augustdorf, Germany
NATO countries close to Russia, like Finland, tend to spend more on their armies
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Overview

  • Donald Trump has called for NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, a significant jump from the current 2% target, which only 24 of 32 members currently meet.
  • European allies face challenges in meeting this demand due to strained budgets, industrial limitations, and political resistance to cutting social spending.
  • Russia’s defense spending, now at 6.7% of GDP, has surpassed Europe’s combined military expenditure in purchasing power terms, raising concerns over its growing military capabilities.
  • NATO is divided into three groups: nations near Russia willing to spend close to 5%, countries open to moderate increases, and those reluctant to commit due to fiscal and threat perception concerns.
  • The U.S. has signaled a shift in focus toward deterring China in the Pacific, urging European nations to take greater responsibility for their own security.