In a recent statement, US Secretary of Defense Hegses reiterated President Trump’s view that NATO member countries should allocate defense spending equal to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This call for a significant increase in defense spending has sparked discussions within the alliance about meeting this target.
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, established in 1949, is a political and military alliance of 30 European and North American countries. The alliance is committed to collective defense, with members pledging to come to each other’s aid in the event of an attack.
President Trump’s stance on defense spending has been a point of contention among NATO members, with some countries arguing that the 2% of GDP target, set during the 2014 Wales Summit, is a more realistic goal. However, the US continues to pressure allies to increase their defense budgets, emphasizing the need for burden-sharing within the alliance.
Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, believes that while it is important for NATO members to fulfill their financial commitments to the alliance, the focus should also be on ensuring that defense spending is aligned with evolving security threats. He suggests that a balanced approach, taking into account both financial obligations and strategic priorities, is crucial for NATO’s effectiveness in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: February 13, 2025 12:01 am
