European rearmament is necessary and morally justified to deter Russian aggression
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/richard-knighton,https://www.theguardian.com/profile/carsten-breuer. "As defence chiefs, we must warn you about Russia and say this: rearmament is not warmongering | Richard Knighton and Carsten Breuer | The Guardian." February 15, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
Two top military leaders argue that Europe must spend much more on defense because Russia is becoming increasingly threatening and could attack NATO countries. They say that being strong militarily prevents war, while being weak invites attack.
Conclusion
European nations must significantly increase defense spending and military cooperation to deter Russian aggression and preserve peace
Premises
- Russia's military posture has shifted decisively westward and its forces are rearming and learning from the Ukraine war
- Russia's military buildup combined with its willingness to wage war in Europe represents an increased risk to NATO countries
- History teaches that deterrence fails when adversaries sense disunity and weakness
- Strong defense industrial capacity is essential for sustaining modern warfare, as demonstrated by Ukraine
- NATO committed to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, reflecting the new security reality
- Rearmament is morally justified as responsible action to protect people and preserve peace, not warmongering
Assumptions
- Russia poses a genuine military threat that could extend beyond Ukraine
- Military deterrence is effective in preventing conflict
- Increased defense spending will translate into effective deterrent capability
- European unity and cooperation can be maintained during rearmament
- Public support can be gained for significant defense spending increases