Part 4/9:
As tensions loom globally, NATO's Secretary-General has urged member nations to increase their defense spending in light of President-elect Trump's previous threats to not defend those he termed "delinquent" states that fall short of the 2% GDP spending target. Approximately one-third of NATO countries currently do not meet this benchmark. The Secretary-General also indicated that even reaching the 2% threshold may not be adequate for maintaining deterrence levels in the coming years. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed this sentiment, calling for all NATO allies to "lean in" rather than step back as they navigate this critical period.