A credible European deterrent – one that could prevent, for instance, a rapid Russian incursion in the Baltics – would need a minimum of 1,400 tanks, 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles, and 700 artillery pieces. This is more combat power than currently exists in the combined French, German, Italian, and British land forces.
Yes and no. The US chose to project its power around the world after WW2. It used that military power and umbrella protection to shape free trade deals, and preferential deals for US interests.
From a US perspective whats happening is the destruction of something extremely powerful to the US interests. US power and influence will be massively diminished in an era when China is on the rise.
Europe will be able to afford to go to 3% of GDP on military spending. It’ll be painful in the short term but worth it for Europe as it will give them independence. Its not a threat to European tax and spending - that remains its aging population. Increased military spending will be a marginal problem.
Trumps destruction of US dominion is going to reduce their influence and power on the global stage. Even if the Americans elect an outward looking president next, Europe and other NATO allies can no longer rely on American promises as Trump has shown how quickly american orthodoxy can be undone.
The US spends 3.4% of its GDP on its military and for that it got an extraordinary amount of influence and power. The US will continue spending that much but will now be getting much less value for its money.
And don’t forget, after Trump alienating every ally, Europe will probably spend that money in Europe and not in the US. So yes, we will spend more money, but we will gain in taxes and growth.
I really don’t see the US as the winner in anything here.
Defense contracting will become a jobs program essentially
@BananaTrifleViolin@lemmy.world
What I find ironic, if the EU countries have as many soldier’s under arms as Wikipedia states, then they don’t need much more manpower. Look at the thread on worldnews where this is discussed. My comments were removed because I stated as much as this article premise. LOL!
@d00phy@lemmy.world