The following sections map three groups of European countries along the five axes (0–5), with concise evidentiary justification for each score. The juxtaposition of the Baltic and Southern European countries illustrates the North-South divide. Germany is treated in a separate section due to its hybrid position between Northern and Southern perspectives.
The Baltic Perspective: Lithuania
The Baltic States Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia sit on NATO’s most exposed frontier, bordering Russia and Belarus. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, they have accelerated defense reforms: expanding budgets, reinstating conscription, and developing total-defense models that integrate civilian resilience with military readiness. Their security rests on well-developed but limited national defense capabilities and NATO’s collective guarantees.
3. Societal Consensus (Score: 4)
The precarious strategic environment has produced a rare alignment between governments and citizens around defense priorities. Russia’s threat is perceived as existential, generating enduring public support for NATO and sustained military investment. 2024 polling results show that 54 percent of Latvians, 50 percent of Lithuanians and 41 percent of Estonians believe that their country should spend even more on defense. Solidarity with Ukraine further reinforces this consensus.
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