Germany has found a new relationship with its military: defence spending has doubled since 2021, and further substantial increases are planned. The triggers are above all the change of course in US policy, in particular Donald Trump's return to the White House, and Russia's conduct under Vladimir Putin. The political scientist Liana Fix believes it is in the interests of both Europe and the US that Berlin shed its "myth of pacifism".

Rearmament is seen as an economic stimulus at a time of weak growth and as necessary for Europe's security, since the US commitment is not sustainable in the long run at its present level. At the same time, a militarily strengthened Germany carries centrifugal forces: there is a risk of tensions with France and unease among its neighbours in Central and Eastern Europe. Rearmament must therefore be embedded more firmly in a European framework.

In addition, forces on the right are straining cohesion. The AfD now leads every nationwide poll, and the Rassemblement National in France is also gaining strength. The AfD displays an affinity with Russia and China and, in the name of national sovereignty, even demands defence spending of five per cent of GDP.

Key points:

• Dwight Eisenhower took the view that American forces should serve as a bridge only until Europe could provide for its own defence.
• Around 80,000 US troops are still stationed on the continent.
• European defence spending has almost doubled in real terms in six years, from €242 billion in 2020 to €454 billion in 2026.

Source: ForeignPolicy.com (English)