NATO's expansion and increased defense spending enhance European security.

What's this about?

People disagree about whether NATO growing and Europe spending more on defense make Europe safer.

NATO is a group of countries that promise to help defend each other.

What supporters say

• When one NATO country faces an attack, Article 5 says all members should treat it as an attack on them.
• NATO troops near its eastern edge can make any attack seem much more costly.
• Many states near Russia chose NATO help instead of standing alone.
• More money can buy shells, air shields, transport, and training, so forces can act faster together.

What critics say

• These steps can increase strain with Russia.
• That strain can create new risks across Europe.
• More troops and weapons do not always protect every country on the continent.
• We cannot clearly tell how much NATO helped bring reform in new member states.

The bottom line

NATO growth and higher defense spending can help member countries stay safer and better prepared.

But they do not automatically make all of Europe safer, because they can also raise strain with Russia.