The UK government is set to implement significant reforms to its defense strategy, prioritizing military funding at the expense of welfare services, sparking widespread public outrage.
Under the rallying cry "welfare not warfare," demonstrators have gathered in London, voicing their opposition to the government’s intentions to boost military expenditure while simultaneously reducing social support programs.
As the UK faces mounting pressure from the United States to enhance its own security in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it mirrors the actions of its NATO allies in Europe. However, many citizens across the continent, already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, share similar concerns regarding these priorities.
This raises critical questions: Can NATO countries fortify their defense capabilities to deter threats from Russia without relying on U.S. assistance? And how will European leaders manage potential public dissatisfaction in this volatile landscape?
Host: Elizabeth Puranam
Guests:
- Paul Beaver, defense analyst
- Aaron Gasch Burnett, senior fellow at the Democratic Strategy Initiative
- Jeremy Corbyn, independent Member of Parliament, UK
This discussion is set against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in 2025, highlighting the key balance between national security and social welfare in a changing world.