Why we couldn't repel an Argentine invasion of the Falklands today
With his ineffable ability to punch a bruise, Donald Trump has effectively threatened to look the other way if Argentina attempts to invade the Falkland Islands again.
TL;DR
- Donald Trump has threatened to reconsider the U.S. stance on the Falkland Islands, potentially allowing Argentina to invade.
- This stance is seen as a new low for Trump, damaging the Special Relationship between the U.S. and the UK.
- Britain's defense spending has drastically decreased since 1982, weakening its military capabilities.
- The British armed forces are currently insufficient to defend the Falklands against a full-scale invasion.
- Successive governments are criticized for underfunding the military, leading to a hollowing out of capabilities.
- Current defense spending is significantly lower than in 1982, and proposed increases are seen as too little, too late.
- Examples of underfunding include issues with Army reservists, lending of naval assets, and sale of military assets.