The Future of Defense: International Security and the Fragile Future of Global Alliances
The United States, led by Trump, is becoming an increasingly unreliable ally for Europe as it aligns with Russia’s priorities at the expense of Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. The U.S. showed the world just how far it was willing to go in pursuit of its own agenda with the public humiliation that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky endured in the Oval Office. This act came as a shock not only to American politicians across party lines but also to the global political community. Abhorrent? Yes. Surprising? Not exactly. Trump has proven time and again that he will go to whatever lengths necessary to achieve his political agenda and “Make America Great Again.”
Making America great again comes at the expense of women, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, working-class Americans who will bear the cost of tariffs, aid recipients, health research, education, and global security. European leaders and the rest of the world can no longer rely on America’s willingness to provide financial support, technology, and military power for defense. They must take their future into their own hands.
In our episode with Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza, we delve into what can be expected in terms of defense across the EU, the emerging role of Germany, and the potential for deeper EU and UK security cooperation. Listen here!. Read more on EU defense.
The Next Steps for Europe
The European Union has launched initiatives like “ReArm Europe,” aiming to mobilize up to €800 billion to bolster defense capabilities in response to emerging threats. This strategic pivot reflects a collective effort to reduce dependency on external allies and enhance the continent’s security infrastructure.
Europe has historically relied on the U.S. security umbrella, often neglecting its own defense priorities. However, the rising threat from Russia has become a strong catalyst for change .At the heart of this transformation lies technological innovation. A push toward cutting-edge military technology is a strategic response to modern security challenges and reflects the broader move toward self-sufficiency in defense.
Beyond technology, collaborative defense initiatives are gaining traction. The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), launched in 2022, seeks to establish an integrated air defense system among European nations. This initiative represents a unified approach to aerial security, reinforcing regional defense cooperation at a time when threats to European airspace are becoming more complex.
The economic impact of this defense expansion is also significant. Increased military spending is expected to revitalize European industries, create high-skilled jobs, and drive technological advancements. However, this shift requires careful management to balance defense priorities with social welfare programs and address the growing need for skilled labor in the defense sector.
Germany’s Leading Role
Germany is emerging as a key player in Europe’s defense strategy. Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz has secured a landmark agreement with the Green Party, allowing for an unprecedented fiscal expansion of up to €1 trillion over the next decade, with a strong focus on defense and infrastructure.
The plan includes a €500 billion special fund dedicated to infrastructure and exempts defense spending exceeding 1% of GDP from Germany’s strict debt limitations. Additionally, the agreement facilitates increased aid to nations facing aggression, particularly Ukraine, signaling Germany’s firm commitment to European security and modernization.
To learn more about the recent German elections and what the future holds for the country, listen here to our recent episode with Paul Hockenos.
Not all is martial
While war persists and armed conflicts have claimed countless lives over the past year, not only in Ukraine but across the globe, I remain wary of further militarization being seen as the ultimate solution.
Listen here to our episodes covering a range of critical global issues: the DRC crisis, Syria post-Assad, mass incarceration in El Salvador, gang violence in Honduras, trade wars, and the civil war in Myanmar. Stay informed and gain valuable insights into these complex challenges.
Military capabilities are undeniably necessary in a world where power is often dictated by those with the biggest guns, the largest tanks, or the most expansive airbases. However, the biggest issue arises from the loss of respect for the right to live and exist of others, from the lack of empathy and solidarity. In a world where mass murder no longer fazes us, even the most advanced weaponry will never solve the core problem. It is not firepower that will heal the fractures of our society, but a fundamental shift toward compassion, understanding, and human dignity. True security cannot come solely from military capabilities, it must be built on cooperation, mutual respect, and diplomacy. The path toward disarmament offers a more promising future, but as long as the most powerful states refuse to commit, the rest of the world is unlikely to follow.
While the expansion of military capabilities is inevitable, we must remind ourselves that not all battles can be fought with a gun. Women’s and LGBTQ+ rights remain contested across the world, with countries like the U.S. regressing to old practices. Gender-based violence persists, far from being eradicated. More than 343 million people face acute food insecurity, while social inequalities widen. Climate change looms as an ever-growing threat, one we cannot afford to ignore.
And just as importantly, in every place where wars are waged and conflicts unfold, people live, and they will continue to live long after ceasefires are signed, and troops withdraw. People will rebuild. They will reemerge. They will fight for survival and sustain their communities. Human resilience is undeniable, but that does not mean we should turn a blind eye. Because war may have ended on your screen, but not in their lives.
