NATO: Who is (and isn't) paying their way?

Unlocking NATO's financial dynamics! Delve into the alliance's spending saga—from its origin to the current rift. Discover who's paying their dues, who's lagging, and why the two percent rule is reshaping defense strategies globally.

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[paulhumphreys]

World: "Poland, what are you preparing for?"

Poland: "to win"

[UncleJoeJoe]

Brit here who spent 22 years in the uk armed forces and now works in the private security sector. Just want to add that yes, the UK does spend 2.3 % but that really doesn’t mean it’s spent well and in the right places.

[KracKooze]

As a Brit, I recommend all interested in defense spending to watch Perun's videos on each nations military procurement.
He shows how France is able to project power, maintain an independent military and have a nuclear arsenal while spending less of their gdp than the UK.
He also paints quite a bleak picture of Germanys cash injection and how poorly it could be managed.

[assessor]

As a Canadian who is proud of my country’s history of defending freedom, I am embarrassed by the lack of support for NATO - and I can only point out that this stupid policy has a long history under politicians of right AND left.

[Sheldyck]

As a member of a Canadian military family I am furious by our leadership's failure to take security seriously. Not just Nato, but our arctic is constantly ignored at budget time.

[randomramblings]

United we stand, divided we fall seems like an appropriate statement.

[r.c.brousseau]

As a Canadian, I am totally disgusted with our Federal government for continually spending an inadequate amount on its military, this regardless of the party in power. Besides NATO, as was mentioned in this video, Canada should also be concerned with encroachment on its Northern borders. A total embarrassment! PM Trudeau and Mr. Poilievre ARE YOU LISTENING.

[nickdc]

To be fair on Luxembourg we are forming a new regiment and buying our first ever tanks, with a plan to reach 2%. The new regiment is joint with Belgium, so their stats should improve a bit too with this.

[tahahammadia]

I think that Belgium's free loading is like Canada's. They know that the UK, France and Germany will act if something happens

[ShiroKazeRyuu]

I feel like many people are missing the point of the 2% spending. The point is everyone according to their own economy's pay 2% of what they make for their OWN security. It's like asking Elon to pay 2% for guns for his own security and you need to spend 2% for for guns for your security. So long as everyone is making efforts to protect themselves everyone will go out of their way to defend each other. So almost like a neighborhood watch.

The rich guy spends 2% of his budget for guns and has a mini gun.

You, a broke lad, spends 2% of your budget and get a handgun.

Therefore everyone is doing their part to have defences for themselves and will come to the aid of one another. If you get attacked minigun is coming to your aid. If minigun gets attacked you are going to help him with your handgun.

No one is to have a free hand out of Security. "I will help you defend yourself, not be your meat shield for you" concept.

[slmpi]

As a Spanish, I hate that my government spend nothing on defence, because now is been proven that necessary to deterrence any aggression

[zuki]

Being a citizen of a notorious (although un-mentioned) budget slacker, I am pleased, that Denmark is now planning to spend 2.02% of our projected 2024 BNP on defense in that same year.

[kwdblade]

I just want you to know Poland-
*We are so proud of you*
You're invited to the cookout.
-America

[AonghasMcTavish]

As a Canadian I am disappointed and disgusted in our lack of military upkeep. It's been on a long going slow decline in my opinion since 1959. No party in Canada in at least the last 24 years has been pledging to spend large sums of money to upgrade our equipment or increase stocks. So as a Canadian I can only apologize and hope that the next dimwit that gets elected is better. Though I highly doubt it.

[sohovulture]

Excellent (mini) documentary and I certainly feel a lot less ignorant of the specifics involved than I did before watching this! Very interesting and nice to have the facts presented with some humour too. Very educational, thanks for that!

[billestew]

It is shameful that Canada has never met the 2% GDP but spending money is not the answer, until procurement process is improved it is basically throwing money into a large deep hole, which helps no one

[ewokk]

Poland: we have like 200 years of combined Russian occupation between 1795 and 1989, with few breaks. Not want to repeat this experience.

[theawesomeman]

I appreciate Norway, Poland, the UK, Greece, and the Baltic nations for being team players.

[gordd]

As a Canadian I am utterly embarrassed of our military spend and the current state of our armed forces. It's imperative that we take action, regardless of the impact it may have on our personal taxes. The cost of neglecting our defense could be far greater in the event of an invasion, both financially and in terms of human lives. I sincerely hope that our present or future government recognizes the importance of actively participating in NATO and the invaluable security it provides.

[manuelatreide]

As a french, I was surprised to hear that we crossed the threshold this year.

Yes we have a sizable military force. Yes we can project - and we do project - our force far better and in places no other NATO member can, except the USA. Yes we have a very modern - and totally independent - nuclear arsenal, hence a credible nuclear deterrent. And finally yes we have an efficient military industry.

But we have stretched all these assets to the limits and often beyond it.

I spent my youth believing that the world could end at any moment’s notice in a bright nuclear flash. I don’t want the new generations to fear the same outcome. France has in its past paid the price of military complacency. It would be great not to learn the lesson the hard way again.