Diane Kimura

If the NATO allies are not aligned with the US, why are we funded so many overseas bases?

Italy collects around $312 million every year in base generated revenues in Naples alone, and at least 5000 direct jobs are created.

In Spain, $713 million is pumped into local economies annually through US bases, plus around 8000 jobs for Spanish military staff and civilian workers.

U.S. defense spending directly supporting European security is substantial, with the U.S. maintaining a nearly $1 trillion global defense budget. While direct on-ground operational costs were previously estimated around $30–$36 billion annually in 2025. This might not sound like much, but the effects are substantial in poorer rural areas.

The economic advantages of the US presence go far beyond direct spending. US military security allows Europe to spend minimal on defense, which means they have far more cash to spend on social welfare programs like universal healthcare. All of these programs go away with a US exit from NATO.

Beyond the obvious loss of defense capability that comes with a US exit from NATO, the economic factor should not be overlooked.

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