NATO's Defense Dilemma: Rising Costs, Reluctant Nations

U.S. President Donald Trump expects Washington's NATO allies to spend more on bombs and bullets. Trump's proposal for members to devote 5 percent of GDP to defense was widely rejected, but the demand for bigger budgets is real and is not expected to go away. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said spending might need to rise to as much as 3.7 percent of GDP. Only Poland is above that right now. The current target for defense spending is 2 percent of GDP, which most members met or exceeded in 2024.A new target for spending is likely to be agreed…