Germany, Italy, and Japan rely on US nuclear deterrence

Germany, Italy, and Japan are increasing their military spending but will continue to rely on the United States for nuclear protection. Experts believe global instability and concerns about aggressive actions from countries like Russia and China are driving this need. Germany's defense spending has recently reached 2% of its GDP. The government plans to invest heavily in its military, addressing significant gaps in readiness. However, the country's historical context limits its ability to adopt a fully combat-ready approach. Even as Germany looks to strengthen its army, there are ongoing debates about how to frame military participation without contradicting its anti-militarism culture. Italy shares similar concerns about a reduced US military role in Europe. Currently, Italy allocates around 1.59% of its GDP to defense. The country is collaborating with Germany to develop new military technology. Both Italy and Germany agree that US nuclear protection is essential for their security, even as they seek more strategic autonomy within Europe. Japan is also set to boost its military spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, focusing on improving air defense capabilities. With tensions from neighboring countries like China and North Korea, Japan heavily relies on the US military presence for security. The historical trauma from atomic bombings creates a strong anti-nuclear sentiment among its population, making US nuclear deterrence vital for Japan. Overall, despite efforts to enhance their defense systems, these three countries depend on US nuclear deterrence for security amid a changing global landscape.