Nato must switch to a wartime mindset, warns secretary general

NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has called for a shift to a “wartime mindset” as he warned that the alliance’s members are not adequately preparing for future conflict, particularly with Russia. In his first major speech since assuming office in October, Rutte stressed that NATO members must significantly increase defense spending to face the long-term challenges posed by Moscow. He described the current security situation as the worst in his lifetime and stated that the alliance is not ready for the potential threats looming in the next few years.

Rutte’s remarks came just weeks before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, a leader who has previously criticized NATO members for not meeting defense spending targets. NATO members have committed to spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense annually by 2024. However, Rutte emphasized that this commitment is insufficient, urging NATO members to “turbocharge” defense spending to better prepare for future conflicts. He pointed out that during the Cold War, European members spent over 3% of their GDP on defense. “If we don’t spend more together now to prevent war, we will pay a much, much higher price later to fight it,” Rutte warned.

Rutte also highlighted the alarming state of Russia’s military buildup, noting that Moscow’s economy is operating on a “war footing.” By 2025, Russia plans to allocate a third of its state budget to defense, the highest level since the Cold War. The Kremlin has dramatically increased its defense spending following the invasion of Ukraine, setting a record for military expenditures. Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, particularly in the east, have intensified, with the Russian military making significant territorial gains by November 2024, seizing six times as much Ukrainian territory as it had in 2023 alone.

Although NATO members in Europe and Canada are generally spending around 2% of their GDP on defense, not all members are meeting the target. In February, Trump had warned that the U.S. might no longer protect NATO allies that failed to contribute adequately to defense spending. Trump’s stance was a catalyst for NATO members to boost their defense budgets, and Rutte acknowledged that the U.S. president’s pressure had led to a significant increase in military spending. “Donald Trump was completely right when in his first term he forced us to spend more,” Rutte said in a BBC interview following his speech. He praised Trump’s influence in pushing NATO allies to prioritize defense spending, even though the former president’s rhetoric had been controversial at times.

Rutte’s ability to engage with Trump has earned him the nickname “The Trump Whisperer” within NATO circles. His diplomatic skills were credited with soothing tensions between the U.S. and European allies during Trump’s presidency. Rutte’s familiarity with the political climate in Europe, where many leaders hesitate to increase defense spending due to domestic concerns over issues like rising living costs and health care, has made him an effective negotiator. In his speech, he directly appealed to the people of NATO member states, urging them to prioritize defense in light of growing threats. He called on citizens in NATO countries, particularly in Europe and Canada, to push their politicians to spend more on defense, even if it means diverting funds from other areas.

Rutte emphasized that the stakes are high, not just for current generations but for future ones. “If you have children, grandchildren, if you think our way of life should be preserved, the democracy, our values, then we have to prioritize defense,” he said. He stressed that without a greater focus on defense, NATO members would face severe challenges within four to five years. The growing threat from Russia and other global uncertainties make it crucial for the alliance to adapt and invest in the military readiness necessary to ensure long-term security.

In conclusion, Mark Rutte’s speech reflects the urgency with which NATO must address the changing security landscape. As Russia continues to ramp up its military capabilities and confronts the West, NATO must prioritize defense spending and adopt a wartime mindset to ensure it is prepared for the challenges of the coming years. The alliance’s ability to meet these challenges will depend not only on political leadership but also on public support for defense spending in the face of competing priorities.

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