"GOING DUTCH" WHY THE DUTCH DO NOT SPEND 2% GDP ON DEFENSE
Abstract
The Netherlands requires peace and stability in the international order for its own peace and prosperity and depends on NATO to ensure that peace and stability. Yet, the Netherlands government consequently fails to meet the 2 percent GDP mark for Defense spending and, despite its pledge at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, has shown no movement to meet the 2 percent guideline by 2024 in the most recent budget. This paper examined why the Dutch government does not spend 2 percent GDP on defense and if a policy change can be expected after March 2017 elections. It first regards the Dutch constitution, the Dutch welfare state and the political landscape which explains why the social security and welfare policy schemes are deeply embedded across the Dutch Society. As such, political parties prioritize these policies over defense spending. The paper then regards the Dutch political landscape, past government coalitions and the Advocacy Coalition Framework to explain the past history of defense budget cuts as a result of the coalition based government structure. Finally, the paper looks at the 2017 election results and considers four major changes in the external environment that influence coalition decision-making.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1038229
Entities
People
- Boudewijn A. Roddenhof
Organizations
- Air War College