Where public figures stand on Defense & Hard Power
10 people have a position on record here, ordered from the most liberal to the most conservative overall rating. The position is an editorial reading; the statements it rests on are on each profile.
Former Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action; Greens co-leader
Treats economic and military security as intertwined; criticises slow armaments and adapts to weaponised global trade.
Treats economic and military security as intertwined; criticises slow armaments and adapts to weaponised global trade.
observed 2024-11-10 – 2026-03-13
Leader of Azione; Senator of the Italian Republic
Federal armed Europe with nuclear energy independence
Proposes a rearmed federated EU with a European nuclear plan to deter Russia and reduce dependence on external powers.
observed 2026-02-12 – 2026-07-14
Co-founder & CEO, Palantir
The West must build weapons software — proudly
His book argues Silicon Valley's refusal to serve national defense is decadence; Palantir's growth is his proof that the argument won.
observed 2024-08-19 – 2025-02-18
Former Chancellor of Germany; SPD Bundestag member
Backed major Bundeswehr funding increases but drew criticism for slow delivery and Taurus refusal.
Backed major Bundeswehr funding increases but drew criticism for slow delivery and Taurus refusal.
observed 2022-02-27 – 2024-11-10
Former President of the European Central Bank; former Prime Minister of Italy; Author of the EU Competitiveness Report
Close AI and industrial gaps through coordinated investment
Warns Europe trails the US and China on AI while calling for pragmatic energy and automotive transitions to fund tech competitiveness.
observed 2024-09-09 – 2025-09-16
President of the French Republic
European strategic autonomy through defence and tech investment
Links AI, quantum, cleantech and defence as pillars of sovereignty alongside European preference industrial policy.
observed 2025-03-10 – 2026-01-21
Founder, Huawei Technologies
Dual-use telecom as national asset
Huawei under Ren is treated by Beijing as strategic infrastructure and by Washington as a security threat.
observed 2025-02-17 – 2025-06-11
Premier of Ontario
Critical resources as national economic security leverage
Ford treats electricity, potash and oil as strategic assets Canada can withhold to force U.S. respect—framing trade retaliation as national-security-style leverage rather than ordinary commercial dispute.
observed 2026-07-21 – 2026-07-21
Chancellor of Germany
Advocates a historic defence spending increase (3.5% GDP + 1.5% infrastructure) and building Europe's strongest conventional land forces.
Advocates a historic defence spending increase (3.5% GDP + 1.5% infrastructure) and building Europe's strongest conventional land forces.
observed 2025-06-24 – 2025-06-24
Former Foreign Ministry spokesperson; deputy head, Boundary and Ocean Affairs
Maritime boundaries as national security
Post-spokesperson role in boundary and ocean affairs ties Zhao to South China Sea and territorial disputes.
observed 2023-01-10 – 2023-01-10
