Decisions about military spending are complex. Qualitative assessments about the need for spending in certain areas are important, but quantitative analysis to determine their viability provides an important complement. A look at the underlying numbers bounds the discussion in reality.
President Putin made three foundational assumptions in launching his war against Ukraine that should have been correct but were not. First, Putin assumed the invasion of Ukraine would be a quick and easy fight. Second, he assumed the world would denounce the invasion but tacitly allow it. Third, Putin assumed the war would deter NATO expansion.
