The profound economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led some to question the utility and necessity of traditional defence spending as a means of ensuring national security, especially in Europe. In this week’s episode of Sounds Strategic, Antônio speaks with Bastian Giegerich and Fenella McGerty on why defence spending remains important and the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for European defence projects, NATO and the future of the transatlantic relationship.
Fenella explains how this current economic crisis is fundamentally different compared to the financial crisis in 2008–09 and why its impact on defence spending will be more complex as a result. Bastian argues that effective defence spending will be critical for Europe in the post-COVID period and highlights the challenges the EU and NATO will face if the US becomes a less reliable ally in the defence of Europe at a time of heightened global competition.
We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Date of recording: 10 June 2020
Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.
Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers’ by We Were Promised Jetpacks
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