NATO's recent summit resulted in all members, except Spain, agreeing to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, up from 2%. The alliance demonstrated unity and reaffirmed its commitment to collective defense. A former commanding general highlighted the necessity for the U.S. to maintain strong commitment, as any perceived wavering could embolden adversaries like Russia. Economic stability in Europe is essential for U.S. interests, and Article 5 of NATO has been invoked only once in its history. Continued readiness for defense will be necessary in the current geopolitical climate.
For the first time in my life, in his last administration, the president called that into question. I was horrified. That sort of opens a door to a terrible miscalculation by Moscow that maybe the U.S. would not be so committed.
It's important that the president affirmed it very strongly, clearly and publicly. The Russians could achieve what has always been their dream, which is to break the alliance.
Our economic interests are tied to a very prosperous Europe, so we need Europe to be stable and secure and prosperous because it affects our economy.
By the way, Article 5 has only been invoked once in almost 80 years of NATO history, which was after 9/11, when Estonians who came and died because of the United States.
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