The Two Matts The Two Matts Q&A: Is Nato dead and why was 2016 actually a great year to be alive?
Jan 18, 2026
The hosts tackle the potential fallout if NATO collapses and explore the challenges of European defense. They discuss the implications of Germany stepping up in rearmament and the call for an intergenerational duty in politics. The conversation shifts to the internal struggles within Iran’s theocracy and the moral comparisons with U.S. state violence. They also propose solutions for fixing Britain's failing water system. Nostalgia for 2016 sparks debate, with personal and generational reflections on why that year resonates.
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US Exit Would Cripple NATO
- NATO would be devastated if the US left because it provides two-thirds of defence spending and key nuclear technology.
- Europe would face years of costly rearmament and possible national nuclear programmes as a stopgap.
Europe Faces Long Rearmament
- Building credible European defence capability would take many years and major sacrifices from EU states.
- Germany may be forced to play a far larger military role despite post‑war reluctance.
Intergenerational Justice Is Central
- Intergenerational justice is central to political instability because younger generations no longer expect to be better off.
- Embedding consideration for future generations should be part of political discourse.
