In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both Germany and Japan are making plans to strengthen their military forces and bolster their defense spending. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to use a fund of 100 billion Euros to develop German military forces and fulfill their NATO obligations, while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced plans to increase defense spending by 50% over the next five years. Though both countries have constitutions that restrict their ability to wage war, these actions mark a shift in their attitudes towards military preparedness and signify that both countries are taking their own defense more seriously.
The events of the past year have made it clear that the world is a far more unpredictable and dangerous place than it was before, and that all countries must be prepared to defend themselves against potential threats. Germany and Japan's decisions to invest in their defense are a reflection of this new reality, and a sign that they are taking active steps to ensure their security.