Source: The American Conservative
by Doug Bandow
“Eight decades after the end of the Second World War, 600 million Europeans continue to expect 340 million Americans to defend them against 140 million Russians. Despite the enormous frustration over Europe’s policy lassitude expressed by a cavalcade of American policymakers, even today, in the Age of Trump, Europeans remain overwhelmingly dependent on Washington for their security. President Donald Trump’s eruptions have caused America’s allies to create elaborate charades to convince him that his dictates are being followed, but the recently announced 5 percent GDP standard for military outlays allows 1.5 percent for civilian purposes and won’t take effect until he has long been out of office. One suspects that European governments will then press for reconsideration of the NATO requirement.” (10/09/25)