The Intelligence from The Economist Defence on the defensive: NATO under scrutiny
Feb 13, 2020
Daniel Franklin, Diplomatic editor for The Economist, shares insights on NATO's evolving role amidst pressures from leaders like Trump and Macron. He highlights concerns over military spending and the shifting dynamics among member states. David McNeil, The Economist's reporter based in Tokyo, dives into Japan's controversial move to legalize casinos, addressing public fears of addiction and crime. The discussion also touches on the impact of political scandals on this ambitious project, revealing a complex landscape of public sentiment.
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NATO's Challenges
- NATO has faced challenges due to internal and external pressures.
- Trump's demands for increased spending and Macron's criticism represent internal and Russia's actions in Ukraine represent external pressures.
Public Opinion and Spending
- Public support for NATO is relatively strong overall, but declining in some member states like France and Germany.
- While Trump's pressure may have contributed to increased spending, some countries still lag behind their commitments.
Japan's Casino Gamble
- Japan legalized casinos in 2018 to boost tourism and local economies.
- Public opposition remains high due to fears of gambling addiction and organized crime influence.