The Rest Is Politics 428. Rory vs. Alastair: Are we spending too much on defence?
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Jul 15, 2025 Rory and Alastair dive into the complexities of defense spending, weighing national security against economic priorities. They discuss whether Starmer is caught in a spending trap and analyze the threats posed by Putin versus populism. The conversation then shifts to the evolving dynamics of trade unions and the mental health challenges within workplaces. Listeners gain insights into innovative payment systems at Wimbledon and the political landscape shaped by figures like J.D. Vance. It's a captivating mix of politics and social commentary!
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Cost of Rising Defence Budgets
- Increasing European defence spending to 2-5% of GDP reverses the Cold War's peace dividend, costing hundreds of billions annually.
- Such spending cuts health, education, and green investments, risking economic weakening and less resilient Western democracies.
Europe Faces Imminent Threats
- Experts predict Europe could face war with Russia within 3-5 years, requiring serious military preparedness.
- Countries like Finland and Estonia emphasize reserves and tech innovation to counter emerging threats.
Defence Spending's Economic Limitations
- Defence spending often yields less economic return compared to investment in education or green infrastructure.
- Much defence spending benefits foreign suppliers, leaking funds and offering geographically limited economic boosts.
