Opinion: Fractious NATO gives Russia upper hand in Europe
NATO is an alliance founded to protect member states being threatened by a strategic shock.
Yet the most recent NATO summit saw the previously unthinkable situation emerge of a US President reportedly threaten to withdraw from the Alliance unless spending on defence by key member states was significantly increased by January.
As strategic shocks go, its hard to imagine one much bigger than this. After almost 70 years of being the bedrock of Western security, NATO now sees itself facing an existential crisis as members try to work out ways to fund their way out of this crisis.
US demands
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
