It's something the US has basically enforced, it's their excuse to things like military bases in Okinawa, which goes against Japan's ideas of not having an army (even though the JSDF has broken this promise of sorts). More military spending it's not going to bring any good to anyone, specially coming from Europe and its record, specially the Brits.

[–] solargeek@slrpnk.net 0 points 1 year ago (3 children)

We've had multiple presidents get on their soapbox about defense budgets in Europe. One fat orange man in particular. He's a corrupt idiot but he wasn't wrong about that. The NATO % GDP benchmark is not onerous. Only military capability will deter some actors as clearly evidenced most recently in Ukraine.

[–] redditors_re_racist@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Only military capability will deter some actors as clearly evidenced most recently in Ukraine.

the ukraine was invaded therefore more military spending would deter russians from invading the ukraine?

[–] emerty@slrpnk.net 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Has Russia invaded a NATO country? No

Should Europe have done more in 2014? Yes

Would Ukraine have been destroyed if they hadn't received training from NATO members since 2014? Maybe

[–] gary_host_laptop@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 year ago

Ukraine is not a NATO member.