Is the decades-long transatlantic alliance cracking under pressure? As NATO marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a storm brews over defense spending and political unity. Here’s why Gen Z should care:
The 'Free Ride' Debate
Only 7 NATO members hit the 2% GDP defense spending target in 2022. Now, 23 are projected to meet it – but critics argue Europe’s welfare states leaned too long on U.S. military muscle . Former President Obama’s 2016 warning about European complacency echoes louder today.
Trump Shockwaves
U.S. political shifts are rattling Europe: From Trump calling Zelenskyy a 'dictator without elections' () to VP J.D. Vance’s 'enemy within' remarks, trust is fraying. Germany’s CDU leader Friedrich Merz bluntly warned: 'This U.S. administration is indifferent to Europe’s fate.'
NATO Exit Talk?
Merz dropped a bombshell: Should Europe build independent defenses instead of relying on NATO? With U.S. focus shifting to Asia and domestic politics, the alliance faces its biggest identity crisis since the Cold War. →
As TikTok debates #AllianceAnxiety, one thing’s clear: Ukraine’s survival may depend on whether Washington and Europe can stop their slow-motion breakup.
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Here’s why Gen Z should care:
. Former President Obama’s 2016 warning about European complacency echoes louder today.
) to VP J.D. Vance’s 'enemy within' remarks, trust is fraying. Germany’s CDU leader Friedrich Merz bluntly warned: 'This U.S. administration is indifferent to Europe’s fate.'
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