BOY! NATO Allies Bicker Over Gold, I Mean, Defense Spending!

The Ghosts of Summits Past

Hmph. Another summit. Another gathering of mortals squabbling over what they *think* matters. They speak of 'defense spending,' these fragile beings. The U.S. demands 5% of their gross domestic product be thrown into the abyss of war. 3.5% for 'pure' defense and 1.5% for shiny toys like cyber warfare. Like Zeus needed lightning bolts forged by Hephaestus these mortals crave power and control. They do not learn. They never learn.

Promises Promises...

These… leaders they make promises like Atreus after a successful hunt. Empty words echoing in the void. Some boast of reaching this 'milestone,' others stumble far behind the 2% threshold. They speak of plans but plans are but dust in the wind if the will is not there. Like the Valkyries trying to collect the souls of the worthy their promises are tested. *They will be judged.*

Trump's Return: Chaos Unleashed?

Trump… the name brings a familiar irritation. He demands action a clear path to 5%. He wishes to see them squirm to force their hand. Kurt Volker speaks of a 'clash' if the messaging is off key. Mortals and their petty squabbles. The cycle continues. *The gods will remember this.*

High Stakes Low Morale

The stakes are high they say. Conflict in Ukraine war in the Middle East... As if such trivial matters could threaten the balance of power. Still the mortals squabble. The meeting in The Hague is deemed 'consequential.' Hmph. The only consequence is the fleeting nature of their existence. But 5%? Many will not reach the target.

A Thorny Issue Like a Draugr's Embrace

This 'defense spending' has been a 'thorny subject' for years much like the barbs of the Hel Walkers. Trump that mortal with the golden hair demanded increases. Now some nations meet the 2% target while others lag. Canada Spain Italy... they crawl like snails while the world burns. Perhaps they require a lesson in *rage*.

The Gears of War: Defense Industry in Limbo

European aerospace and defense companies whine about being stuck 'in limbo.' They crave contracts promises of investment. But like the dwarves Brok and Sindri they need clear direction. The CEO of Saab speaks of 'capacity,' the need for scale. Leonardo's CEO laments the fragmented nature of Europe. They all cry for guidance like lost souls in Helheim. They require... *discipline*.