[soramimo]

The main need for this comes from the rise of China. Specifically, its rise in economic power and military capabilities make is so that 1) the US is no longer able to deter both Russia and China combined, but needs to prioritize China (its main geopolitical rival) and 2) Russia can openly engage in armed conflict without the fear of Western sanctions, as China will keep Russia's economy afloat (mainly via purchase of energy).

With Trump back in the White House there is an additional motivation for EU countries to up their military spending; at best the US is now viewed as a less reliable ally (that may or may not help in the face of conflict), at worst the US will align itself with autocratic regimes to divide up the world in their respective spheres of influence and actively undermine the EU.

So if you accept the premise that democracy (and the liberal, rule-based world order) is worthwhile defending, increased military spending of EU countries is in fact a "good thing" (as in, better than the alternative of submitting to imperialistic authoritarian neighbors).

[NalNezumi]

I agree that increased military spending in Europe is a good thing.. for Europeans but net negative for the world.

Also it's a pretty daft take to think that this sudden armament of Europe is going to help the "contain China" cause. Why would anyone in East/South East Asia now trust USA when they see economics as zero-sum game with military intimidation towards allies as a valid strategy for getting their way. China is doing the latter without the former, and most Asian nations has more to lose economically siding with US to begin with.

Pivot to China have been the long running goal since Obama but why it took long time is because of dynamics like this. Just to on a whim in less than 2 month destroying all that. I can't imagine how this can be spun as a win, even with outlined goals of yours.

Yeah good luck containing China when all their neighbors are now not sure about American commitment anymore. If I'm a Asian politician I'd probably just start nuke development and declare neutrality and ride this one out.

Global free trade, which have benefitted all of Asia (including China) is not something US is supporting anymore anyway