Hey everyone, NATO is feeling the heat! Its push for a 5% defense spending target is stirring up a global debate. A recent CGTN poll reveals that 67.4% of respondents condemn NATO's rapid military expansion, warning it might trigger a new arms race and upset global peace. With global military spending reaching $2.72 trillion in 2024—and NATO shouldering $1.5 trillion (55% of the total)—the numbers speak for themselves. 😬
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez dismissed the 5% target as "disproportionate and unnecessary," a sentiment shared by 80.1% of poll participants. Many fear that pushing European allies to boost their defense budgets could lead to higher taxes or cuts in welfare, impacting everyday life. Moreover, 76.2% believe that such spending disputes will deepen divisions among NATO’s European members, while 76.6% accuse the U.S. of neglecting their concerns.
The poll, conducted in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian, gathered 6,000 overseas responses within just 12 hours. For tech-savvy and socially conscious young professionals across South and Southeast Asia, this debate is a reminder that global security is as dynamic as our digital lives. Stay tuned as the conversation continues to evolve! 🚀
Reference(s):
CGTN Poll丨5% defense spending target exposes NATO's deadlock
cgtn.com
