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They're still not even close to 5%.

The US doesnt treat any of its puppets particularly well. America treats its European allies a bit like Moscow treats its Belarussian ally. With the new administration that is becoming clearer than ever.






Calling Poland an American puppet state is a stretch (basically incorrect).

While the US can exert a lot of influence, Poland (and others) are not puppet states-- there is no direct US control over government/elections, no dependence on the US for those governments and no US control over polish law.

Being a weaker member of an alliance does not make you a puppet.


There's probably a lot more influence deeper within EU institutions than you realize. What happened in Romania (election cancelled "because tiktok") is also reflection of American tendrils.

Could you elaborate on these tendrils (?) - I haven't looked at the Romanian situation from that vantage point.

Poland is aiming for 4.7% in 2025 and is supporting Trumps proposal for 5% for NATO.

Meanwhile Italy is allowed to buy chips with 1.5% defense spending.

It doesn't make sense to think that defense spending is the criterion used to select the countries.




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