We've got a couple announcements related to the Substack that we are excited to share with you all. Name change As of today, we're renaming the publication 'Between the Lines by Preston Stewart.' This change is mainly because we are a growing team, and we want a name that reflects the work everyone is doing. You may see some minor branding changes in the coming weeks, but the name change is the main thing.
During a 2014 summit NATO member countries agreed to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense spending by 2025. As of 2021 only 10 member states have met that threshold with the United States the second highest in GDP spending (Poland in the top spot). Based on GDP the United States defense spending dwarfs all other NATO member states but the most immediate threat, given the proximity of aggressor states, is to Western Europe.
How does NATO plan to address the original agreement of a minimum 2% defense spending for the other member states? Additionally, how does NATO plan to focus their resources to bolster defense in member nations while also anticipating and addressing potential future threats based on current events (i.e. continual ammunition supply to Ukrain, air defenses, etc.)?
Preston, how do citizens of member countries get more involved in NATO? Do they have internships, programs, etc. that people can get involved in? If so, what does that process look like?
Why do so many nations in the West remain so naive about ceding strategic initiative to and appeasing Putin in diplomacy and communications, eg with public statements of self-deterrence and fear or hesitation to support Ukraine?
It's clear that Russia is not giving up and that other NATO countries are threatened. What is the NATO plan to support Ukraine if the US continues to fail in supporting Ukraine. And what is the NATO position regarding France potentially entering the war by putting boots on the ground.
Preston: Will NATO allow for long range weapons to be used by Ukraine to hit Moscow unlike the U.S.? It seem unjust that Russia can attack Kyve, but Ukraine can not strike Moscow. It seems that this war will not end until Ukraine brings pain directly to Moscow.
Do the member states of NATO feel that the US is the guarantor of the alliance and what they think the long term effect of the aid issues to Ukraine will have? Do they view the world polarizing away from NATO influence increasing the risk of the alliances entering into a conflict?
Does current NATO doctrine support countering a peer or near peer who can effectively leverage sUAS swarming or other non standard strategies that we could begin observing? Can smaller players be expected to keep pace with the rapid developments of these platforms which have performed well against our existing defenses?
Could you please ask if NATO and it's members still have reservations about admitting Ukraine due to possible intelligence breaches to Russia? Thank you for all your hard work guys.
Can you ask if NATO sees their role changing since its initial creation was to provide protections from the Soviet Union and todays threats are much more broad and non-specific? Will NATO take action against an ideology (ISIS, Taliban, etc.) and not a specific country?
How can we achieve peace in Ukraine? We are on the cusp of global conflict and there is still a chance to end the war before it escalates into something larger.
I dont know how to put it but i am curious to know about the issue with member states not complying with the regulations regarding spending quotas and if its not too harsh/counter productive why did nato not answer to the airspace violations in poland? Love your work, from Portugal, keep it up!
PS: I am 100% supportive of NATO and i'd hope we keep united and in peace no matter what, but with russia invading Ukraine with "NATO getting close to russia" as pretext, I think NATO should directly help Ukraine with pretext of "russia getting close to NATO by force".
What is NATOs plan to deal with the threat of insurgent groups utilizing FPV drones to attack vital equipment for relatively cheap. Even with the NAVYs ability to shoot down drones that's not cost effective or good for ammunition consumption. Thanks Preston love your channel.
Hi Preston,
During a 2014 summit NATO member countries agreed to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense spending by 2025. As of 2021 only 10 member states have met that threshold with the United States the second highest in GDP spending (Poland in the top spot). Based on GDP the United States defense spending dwarfs all other NATO member states but the most immediate threat, given the proximity of aggressor states, is to Western Europe.
How does NATO plan to address the original agreement of a minimum 2% defense spending for the other member states? Additionally, how does NATO plan to focus their resources to bolster defense in member nations while also anticipating and addressing potential future threats based on current events (i.e. continual ammunition supply to Ukrain, air defenses, etc.)?
Preston, how do citizens of member countries get more involved in NATO? Do they have internships, programs, etc. that people can get involved in? If so, what does that process look like?
Why do so many nations in the West remain so naive about ceding strategic initiative to and appeasing Putin in diplomacy and communications, eg with public statements of self-deterrence and fear or hesitation to support Ukraine?
Would NATO consider including Hawaii under its protective umbrella?
Adding on to this...what about any US protectorates" (e.g. Samoa)
It's clear that Russia is not giving up and that other NATO countries are threatened. What is the NATO plan to support Ukraine if the US continues to fail in supporting Ukraine. And what is the NATO position regarding France potentially entering the war by putting boots on the ground.
Short and simple... what are NATO's biggest fears?
I think the awnser will give alot of insight into NATO's future strategy, both militarily and diplomatically.
Preston: Will NATO allow for long range weapons to be used by Ukraine to hit Moscow unlike the U.S.? It seem unjust that Russia can attack Kyve, but Ukraine can not strike Moscow. It seems that this war will not end until Ukraine brings pain directly to Moscow.
Do the member states of NATO feel that the US is the guarantor of the alliance and what they think the long term effect of the aid issues to Ukraine will have? Do they view the world polarizing away from NATO influence increasing the risk of the alliances entering into a conflict?
Aks them if they are making any cool new tanks and whether they will have flamethrowers on them.
And if they will have big guns
Does current NATO doctrine support countering a peer or near peer who can effectively leverage sUAS swarming or other non standard strategies that we could begin observing? Can smaller players be expected to keep pace with the rapid developments of these platforms which have performed well against our existing defenses?
Hi guys,
Could you please ask if NATO and it's members still have reservations about admitting Ukraine due to possible intelligence breaches to Russia? Thank you for all your hard work guys.
Does NATO have any "red lines" regarding Russian aggression?
Can you ask if NATO sees their role changing since its initial creation was to provide protections from the Soviet Union and todays threats are much more broad and non-specific? Will NATO take action against an ideology (ISIS, Taliban, etc.) and not a specific country?
How can we achieve peace in Ukraine? We are on the cusp of global conflict and there is still a chance to end the war before it escalates into something larger.
I dont know how to put it but i am curious to know about the issue with member states not complying with the regulations regarding spending quotas and if its not too harsh/counter productive why did nato not answer to the airspace violations in poland? Love your work, from Portugal, keep it up!
PS: I am 100% supportive of NATO and i'd hope we keep united and in peace no matter what, but with russia invading Ukraine with "NATO getting close to russia" as pretext, I think NATO should directly help Ukraine with pretext of "russia getting close to NATO by force".
What is NATOs plan to deal with the threat of insurgent groups utilizing FPV drones to attack vital equipment for relatively cheap. Even with the NAVYs ability to shoot down drones that's not cost effective or good for ammunition consumption. Thanks Preston love your channel.