ABC News Daily Your questions: Defending Australia in Trump’s world
Apr 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, analyzes Australia's defense strategy amid rising global uncertainties. He tackles the question of whether Trump’s America remains a reliable ally and stresses the need for Australia to boost self-reliance without excessive spending. The conversation dives into the complexities of defense funding during a cost-of-living crisis, exploring how economic challenges shape national security decisions in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
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Trump's Impact on Defense
- Donald Trump's influence on global defense spending shouldn't be overstated.
- Focus on long-term trends, like the US's shifting strategic priorities.
Global Repercussions
- Trump's pressure on NATO allies to increase spending is reshaping the global landscape.
- Germany and Canada are re-evaluating their relationship with the US, while Poland considers nuclear weapons.
Historical Defense Spending
- Australia's defense spending has historically been much higher, even exceeding 5% of GDP during wartime.
- Current spending sits slightly above 2%, with fluctuations due to currency movements and the cost of US weapons.