[Goose]

Russia's invasion of Ukraine lit a fire under some countries.  Sweden was happily neutral and not a big spender on defense relative to GDP for many years.  Now it's a NATO member and over the 2% of GDP target.  Finland and Poland also changed course as a result of the invasion.  And of course the Baltics are panicking.  All of that has significantly strengthened NATO's position.  But can we light a fire under some of the big economic powers in Europe to follow suit?  And is that a good idea?  I throw up in my mouth when I think of Germany entering an arms race.   But maybe I need to reorient my thinking to the modern world and recognize that Germany truly is a force for good in Europe.  It is, right?

Sure it is, as long as it is in NATO and the US is there to "babysit" all will remain "peaceful" between the EU neighbors. FWIW I don't think today's young Germans want anything to do with the military. That is part of the problem, because Germany does need an military defense. However, as history shows things can change quite quickly. Germany has been the "banker" for the EU because they have the largest economy. At some point, they may not want to do that any more, especially if their economy is weakening.Things can happen. That is a very underappreciated benefit of NATO. It keeps the peace in Europe.

[Goose]

Russia's invasion of Ukraine lit a fire under some countries.  Sweden was happily neutral and not a big spender on defense relative to GDP for many years.  Now it's a NATO member and over the 2% of GDP target.  Finland and Poland also changed course as a result of the invasion.  And of course the Baltics are panicking.  All of that has significantly strengthened NATO's position.  But can we light a fire under some of the big economic powers in Europe to follow suit?  And is that a good idea?  I throw up in my mouth when I think of Germany entering an arms race.   But maybe I need to reorient my thinking to the modern world and recognize that Germany truly is a force for good in Europe.  It is, right?

Sure it is, as long as it is in NATO and the US is there to "babysit" all will remain "peaceful" between the EU neighbors. FWIW I don't think today's young Germans want anything to do with the military. That is part of the problem, because Germany does need an military defense. However, as history shows things can change quite quickly. Germany has been the "banker" for the EU because they have the largest economy. At some point, they may not want to do that any more, especially if their economy is weakening.Things can happen. That is a very underappreciated benefit of NATO. It keeps the peace in Europe.