"A British View: Thinking About War" Topic

"Should, could, would Germany lead European defense? Should, could, and would are words that President Trump has explored to the full of late. In the aftermath of the Brussels NATO Summit and President Trump's acerbic assertiveness, they are also words that Germans must consider. There can be no credible European defense without a strong German role. However, if Berlin is to play a leadership role, possibly via a European Defense Union, contemporary Germany is going to have to face tough political choices.

Much of the German debate of late has been focused on the NATO Defense Investment Pledge, where the allies committed to spending two percent of GDP on defense by 2024, of which 20 percent each year should be spent on new equipment. Chancellor Angela Merkel signed up to the pledge, albeit with the caveat that Germany would aim to meet the target. But due to domestic pressures, it has been backtracking ever since. It is not hard to see why. If Germany spent two percent GDP on defense, Berlin would be spending some €60.00 EUR billion each year, more than either Britain or France. Now, many of Germany's friends have little problem with that, this one included. Germany is today a model democracy and Britain would be encouraged to see Berlin meet the Defense Investment Pledge. But Germans?…."
Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

Actually, seems to me like Frau Merkel has ceded that role to Poland.

Given the entire country was under the boot of the communists, I suspect they've got a better perspective than the Germans, who only had half their country/countrymen (don't know the exact numbers, so suspect it could be more, or less) in that position.

I agree that Germany is no longer the favourite son within Nato.The armies have moved east and the domestic problems Germany faces in the very near future could undermine its internal security.

AGree!

Amicalement
Armand

After the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification of Germany, one might justifiably argue that Germany has never been the favorite son in NATO.