NATO Faces Challenges with Canada

Not a valid attachment ID.NATO members in Western Europe have faced significant criticism in recent years for their inadequate defense spending and lack of seriousness regarding national security. This criticism is justified, even with some recent advancements. However, one of the least accountable NATO members is not located in Europe; it is Canada, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In 2014, NATO allies agreed to a defense spending guideline of 2 percent of their GDP. At that time, only three member nations met this benchmark. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many NATO countries have expedited their efforts to increase defense budgets, with most now achieving this spending target.

Conversely, Canada remains one of the few NATO allies that does not meet the 2 percent defense expenditure requirement.

Canada is neither a small nation nor an impoverished one; it is fully capable of fulfilling its treaty obligations. Nevertheless, it allocates only 1.37 percent of its GDP to defense, approximately $30.5 billion annually. Despite having the sixth-largest GDP among NATO countries, Canada ranks twenty-seventh in defense spending as a percentage of GDP. In contrast, the United States ranks third among NATO members in this regard, with a defense spending percentage of 3.38, surpassed only by Poland and Estonia.

Canada has the capacity to meet its obligations and has demonstrated this capability in the past. During the Cold War, Canada was a highly effective NATO member, playing a crucial role in deterring the Soviet Union and ensuring hemispheric security.

The necessity for increased defense spending is particularly pressing for Canada, as threats to NATO extend beyond Eastern Europe. Canada must also prioritize Arctic and North American security, especially as the Arctic becomes a focal point of concern, rich in untapped resources and new navigation routes that are drawing the interest of adversaries.

China and Russia are actively enhancing their presence in the Northern Pacific Ocean as they seek to expand into the Arctic. In late September, officials from both nations...
Source @ Beaver

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