Germany’s Military Revival Exposes NATO’s Growing Burden—and America’s Stakes

Germany’s pledged billions to modernize its military and attract tens of thousands more recruits marks a turning point, yet this overdue effort comes with hard realities that America cannot ignore. After years of post-Cold War complacency and disarmament, the Bundeswehr now faces the colossal task of rebuilding amid speeding geopolitical threats from Russia.Chancellor Friedrich Merz boldly proclaims Germany must field the strongest conventional army in Western Europe. However, words are easy; delivering operational readiness after decades of negligence is a monumental challenge. The lingering shadows of Germany’s Nazi past still weigh heavily on public attitudes toward military service—a reluctance that...