In recent days, Trump has once again put pressure on NATO countries and European countries to increase the proportion of defense spending, otherwise the United States will no longer provide them with security guarantees, and may even condone Russia to launch an attack on them. This hardline attitude has caused dissatisfaction and concern among NATO countries and European countries, but it has also prompted them to accelerate the growth of military spending.
According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, by 2024, 18 NATO countries will spend on their military at the standard of 2% of GDP, which is 56% of the total number of NATO countries. This figure was apparently arrived at under the deterrence of Trump, who has repeatedly complained that NATO countries are in arrears and unfairly burdening the United States with excessive burdens.
Trump's deterrence is effective because NATO countries and European countries are facing a serious security threat from Russia. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has not subsided, the situation in Ukraine is very complex and dangerous, and if Ukraine is defeated, Russia may point the finger at other countries and even trigger a large-scale war. NATO countries and European countries, although they have strong economic power, are relatively weak in military terms and cannot compete with Russia. Even traditional military powers such as Britain, France, and Germany are struggling to cope with Russia's high-intensity operations.
Therefore, NATO countries and European countries have no choice but to bow to the United States on security issues and, at the request of the United States, increase military spending in exchange for the protection and support of the United States. They also hope that by strengthening their own defense capabilities, they will be able to gain a certain advantage in the confrontation with Russia. For example, the new military commander of Ukraine announced that he would move from offensive to full-scale defense in order to stabilize the front line, buy time and wait for assistance from Western countries. Ukraine also received an F-16 fighter jet painted with the coat of arms of Ukraine, a type of ground and air ** equipment provided to Ukraine by the United States, which, if used properly, could inflict a major blow on Russia.
However, the growth of military spending by NATO countries and European countries has also had a number of negative effects on them. On the one hand, their economic pressure has increased, which may affect their social welfare and livelihood investment. On the other hand, their political relations may also be damaged, as their public and some political forces may be dissatisfied and revolt against US hegemony and Russian aggression. What's more, their military actions could also exacerbate tension and instability in the region, triggering more conflicts and crises.
In short, Trump's deterrence has had a profound impact on NATO countries and European countries, who have had to make difficult choices between security and the economy, politics, and peace. It remains to be seen how they will develop in the future.