@ISIDEWITHQuestionsForeign policyStarted 8yrs agoActive 2mos ago

Should our country defend other NATO countries that maintain low military defense budgets relative to their GDP?

Should the U.K. defend other NATO countries that maintain low military defense budgets relative to their GDP?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance formed by 28 countries in 1949 after the Second World War. To join NATO each member country pledged to spend at least 2% of their GDP on military spending and defense and defend each other against threats from any non-member country. In a July 2016 interview with the New York Times Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump suggested that the United States would not defend NATO member countries who had failed to increase their military budgets to above 2% of Gross Domestic Product. The suggestion defie…  

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68%
Yes
32%
No
54%
Yes
25%
No
14%
Yes, and refusing to defend other NATO countries sets a dangerous precedent for the balance of global power
5%
No, we should not defend any NATO country that spends less than 2% of their GDP on military defense
2%
No, and we should withdraw from NATO

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.

 @98XC9GYanswered…1yr1Y

Yes but we should match their relative funding with the amount of support we provide

 @98SZ6ZHanswered…1yr1Y

We should defend them, but they do need to reach some requirement

 @98SWTPKanswered…1yr1Y

Yes generally unless it affects us & put pressure on them to increase their military spending

 @98SDM28answered…1yr1Y

Don’t agree with warfare

 @98GBJ93answered…1yr1Y

If they helped us

 @98F5RMTanswered…1yr1Y

yes but only if said country can defend themselves without the interference of other nations

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…23hrs23H

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Pledges Significant Defence Spending Amid Global Instability

In a decisive move to bolster national security and affirm the United Kingdom's commitment to global stability, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a significant increase in defence spending. Amidst growing concerns over international tensions and the assertion that the world is experiencing its most volatile period since the Cold War, Sunak has pledged to raise the UK's defence budget to 2.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030. This ambitious plan will see defence spending soar to an annual total of 87 billion pounds ($108 billion), marking a substantial investment in the nation's military capabilities and infrastructure.The announcement comes as Sunak embarks on a diplomatic tour, engaging in critical talks with NATO allies in Warsaw and Berlin. The Prime Minister's initiative underscores a strategic effort to strengthen alliances and address the rising threats that have cast a shadow over global peace and security. By committing to a significant increase in defence expenditure, the UK aims to play a pivotal role in fostering a stable international environment, demonstrating its readiness to confront challenges that may arise.This move has been framed as a response to the current geopolitical landscape, which Sunak describes as the most dangerous and unpredictable in decades. The increased funding is intended not only to modernize the British armed forces but also to ensure that the UK remains a formidable force on the international stage. It reflects a broader strategy to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and emerging threats, including cyber attacks and other forms of hybrid warfare.Critics and supporters alike are keenly observing the implications of this policy shift, with many noting the potential impacts on the UK's fiscal priorities and the broader defence strategy. As the UK navigates through these uncertain times, the government's commitment to enhancing military spending is a clear signal of its determination to safeguard national interests and contribute to global security.As Prime Minister Sunak continues his discussions with European leaders and NATO officials, the UK's pledge to increase its defence budget is a testament to its resolve to uphold peace and stability. This strategic decision not only reinforces the UK's position as a leading military power but also as a proactive agent in the pursuit of a safer, more secure world.

 @ISIDEWITH submitted…2 days2D

Poland Signals Readiness to Host NATO Nuclear Weapons Amid Tensions with Russia

In a move that has sent ripples through the international community, Poland has expressed its willingness to host NATO nuclear weapons on its soil, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff with Russia. Polish President Andrzej Duda, in a bold statement, has indicated that Poland is open to the deployment of nuclear weapons by NATO members as a countermeasure to Russia's aggressive posturing in Eastern Europe. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions following Russia's decision to move its nuclear weapons closer to NATO borders by stationing them in neighboring Belarus.The potential deployment of NATO nuclear weapons in Poland represents a critical juncture in the alliance's strategy to deter Russian aggression in the region. President Duda's remarks underscore Poland's commitment to its own security and that of the NATO alliance, even as it navigates the complex dynamics of its relationship with both NATO and Russia. The decision to host nuclear weapons is not without its controversies, however, as it raises questions about the escalation of military tensions and the risks of a nuclear standoff on the European continent.The mechanics of such a deployment are yet to be detailed, and it remains to be seen how this proposition will be received by other NATO members and the international community at large. The move could potentially strain relations within the alliance and with other global powers, notably Russia, which has historically opposed NATO expansion and the closer proximity of NATO military assets to its borders.This development is a clear indication of the shifting security landscape in Europe, where nations are increasingly forced to make difficult decisions in response to perceived threats. Poland's readiness to host NATO nuclear weapons is a testament to the growing concerns among Eastern European nations about Russia's intentions and their determination to bolster their defense capabilities in the face of uncertainty.As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching the reactions from NATO, Russia, and other key stakeholders. The decision by Poland to potentially host NATO nuclear weapons could mark a new phase in the alliance's strategy towards Russia, signaling a more assertive posture in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

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