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That argument would make more sense if they did not include Poland, the biggest per capita spender and a staunch US ally.

• pydry 2y ago
  They're still not even close to 5%. The US doesnt treat any of its puppets particularly well. America treats its European allies a bit like Moscow treats its Belarussian ally. With the new administration that is becoming clearer than ever.
  • tmnvdb 2y ago
    Poland is aiming for 4.7% in 2025 and is supporting Trumps proposal for 5% for NATO. Meanwhile Italy is allowed to buy chips with 1.5% defense spending. It doesn't make sense to think that defense spending is the criterion used to select the countries.
  • myrmidon 2y ago
    Calling Poland an American puppet state is a stretch (basically incorrect). While the US can exert a lot of influence, Poland (and others) are not puppet states-- there is no direct US control over government/elections, no dependence on the US for those governments and no US control over polish law. Being a weaker member of an alliance does not make you a puppet.
    • pydry 2y ago
      There's probably a lot more influence deeper within EU institutions than you realize. What happened in Romania (election cancelled "because tiktok") is also reflection of American tendrils.
      • dingdingdang 2y ago
        Could you elaborate on these tendrils (?) - I haven't looked at the Romanian situation from that vantage point.