NATO's increased defence spend features prominently in elections
In a year marred by geopolitical conflicts, both new and ongoing, there are numerous elections taking place – including many among NATO countries.
The United Kingdom is set to decide its next Prime Minister, France has had a snap legislative election that saw Marine Le Pen’s party win the first round, and the United States will vote for the next “leader of the free world” in November.
In all these elections, NATO has been on the agenda. Both leaders of the UK’s frontrunner parties have suggested that defence spending should be increased to 2.5% of GDP, above NATO’s mandated 2%-of-GDP target, and that the nuclear deterrent must remain firmly in place.
But in France and the US, the topic has been more contentious. Le Pen’s party has pledged to exit NATO, albeit after the Russia-Ukraine conflict has concluded.
Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump threatened the same, before clarifying his stance and advocating for increased spending among European NATO members (3%, specifically), lest they continue to take the US’ contribution for granted.
The US is the world’s largest defence spender, while France recently became the second largest weapons exporter. Opposition parties in these two powerful countries taking an anti-NATO stance has likely triggered concern among other members.
What is clear, is that European nations may need to stand on their own two feet when it comes to defence, especially if traditional NATO powerhouses cannot be relied upon.
The UK’s 2.5%-of-GDP pledge, Poland’s 3% pledge, and Germany potentially targeting 3% for the first time since the Cold War – all indicate that European NATO members are recognising the need for greater collective security.
In a NATO alliance without the US and France, that need becomes even more pressing.
Read our article for more details on what a US withdrawal from NATO would mean for European members here:
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