The Briefing Room
European defence in the new Trump era
Nov 14, 2024
Heather Conley, a senior advisor at the German Marshall Fund, Elisabeth Braw from the Atlantic Council, and Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, dive into the uncertainties of European defense post-Trump's victory. They explore NATO's challenges, especially the struggle for fair defense spending among member states. The conversation examines Trump's transactional approach and its impact on Europe’s military readiness, alongside the rising threats from Russia and the need for stronger alliances amid changing geopolitical landscapes.
28:46
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's presidency prompted European leaders to reconsider their defense strategies and spending in response to U.S. unpredictability regarding NATO.
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine has intensified discussions on military preparedness in Europe, highlighting the need for substantial defense budget increases.
Deep dives
Impact of Trump's Presidency on NATO
Donald Trump's presidency raised significant questions regarding the future of NATO and the U.S. role within it. He consistently expressed the view that America’s allies had taken advantage of the U.S., particularly regarding defense spending, and threatened to withdraw support if NATO members did not contribute more. While Trump's rhetoric suggested a transactional approach, he occasionally engaged in actions that indicated a willingness to follow through on his threats, albeit without a full withdrawal from NATO. This unpredictability in policy has left European leaders concerned about the enduring value of the U.S. alliance and compelled them to adapt their strategies in response to Trump's presidency.
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