According to the latest summit of the Alliance, only 11 out of 31 member countries have reached the target of 2% of GDP on defense, reports Newsweek.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 European and North American countries. It was established in 1949 with the primary goal of promoting mutual defense and security among its members. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the unequal burden-sharing among member countries when it comes to defense spending.
At the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, member countries agreed to aim for a defense spending target of 2% of their respective GDPs by 2024. This decision was made in response to the changing security landscape, including the rise of new global threats such as cyber attacks and terrorism.
However, according to a recent report by Newsweek, only 11 out of 31 member countries have reached this target so far. This means that less than half of the member countries are meeting their commitment to increase defense spending.
This news may come as a disappointment to some, but it is important to understand the reasons behind the slow progress. One of the main factors is the economic challenges faced by many member countries. The global financial crisis of 2008 had a significant impact on the economies of many NATO countries, leading to budget cuts and reduced defense spending. It takes time for economies to recover and for governments to allocate more resources to defense.
Another factor is the varying threat perceptions among member countries. While some countries may see a need for increased defense spending due to their proximity to conflict zones or their own security concerns, others may not feel the same urgency. This can make it difficult to reach a consensus on defense spending targets.
Despite the slow progress, it is important to note that many member countries have increased their defense spending in recent years. In fact, according to NATO’s annual report, overall defense spending among member countries has increased by 4.3% in 2019. This is a positive trend and shows a commitment to meeting the 2% target.
It is also worth mentioning that defense spending is not the only measure of a country’s contribution to NATO. Many member countries also contribute to the alliance through other means, such as providing troops for missions and participating in joint military exercises. These contributions are just as important in maintaining the alliance’s strength and readiness.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that NATO is not just about defense spending. The alliance also plays a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the world. NATO member countries have worked together to address global challenges such as piracy, humanitarian crises, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This collective effort has helped to maintain a peaceful and secure international environment.
In conclusion, while it is true that only 11 out of 31 member countries have reached the 2% defense spending target, it is important to understand the reasons behind this slow progress. Economic challenges and varying threat perceptions among member countries are some of the factors that have contributed to this. However, it is encouraging to see that overall defense spending among member countries has increased and that NATO continues to play a crucial role in promoting global security. As the alliance moves forward, it is important for member countries to continue working towards meeting their commitments and strengthening their collective defense capabilities.
