Cory Morgan: NATO Summit Gives Canada a Chance to Salvage Its Reputation as an International Player

Commentary

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be under scrutiny regarding Canada’s defense spending as he participates in the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Washington.

NATO members are expected to allocate 2 percent of their nation’s GDP to defense to remain part of the alliance. Canada currently falls short at 1.4 percent, and although there is a target to increase spending to 1.76 percent of GDP by 2030, there is no clear plan on how to achieve this goal.

It is important to note that neglecting defense spending in Canada was an issue long before Trudeau took office. The state of Canada’s military deteriorated under previous administrations, and the country’s defense was often overlooked due to the security provided by the United States as a neighboring superpower.

NATO was established during the Cold War as a defensive alliance against the Soviet Union. However, with the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the urgency for a unified defense force in Western Europe diminished. Many NATO members began reducing their defense budgets, and other nations turned a blind eye to their obligations, viewing defense spending as a low priority.

The situation changed with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, revealing Putin’s expansionist intentions. The ongoing conflict has fueled concerns among neighboring nations, prompting NATO members to reevaluate their defense commitments. With Canada ranking sixth from the bottom in defense spending among 32 nations, its shortfall is likely to be addressed at the summit.

The upcoming summit, scheduled for July 9-11, will be politically complex due to the ongoing US election. Trudeau will face pressure amid internal dissent within his caucus and the need for a plan to address criticisms at the summit while maintaining positive relations with frustrated allies.

Former President Trump’s straightforward remarks highlight the importance of meeting defense spending commitments within NATO. The summit presents an opportunity for Trudeau to restore Canada’s international reputation and demonstrate its commitment as a reliable NATO member.

Views expressed in this article are solely the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of The Epoch Times.