A Ten Point Program for Increasing the Allies' Share of Defense Costs

Publication Date: January 1989

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Richard D. Jr. Fisher

Research Area: International relations

Keywords: National security

Type: Report

Abstract:

Since World War II the U.S. has accepted more than its fair share of responsibility for the defense of Western interests. Allies have come to take this U.S. commitment for granted and have taken advantage of it by lowering their own defense efforts proportionately. Today, with the U.S. facing severe budgetary problems, it is time for U.S. allies to accept their share of a burden that the U.S. has borne without complaint for nearly forty years. They are wealthy enough to do so without major sacrifice.