That is the TOTAL amount of the Common Fund. In reality: "All Allies contribute to funding NATO using an agreed cost share formula derived from the Gross National Income of member countries. This is the principle of common funding and it demonstrates burden-sharing in action."

The US, for example, pays about 16% of the total fund. I don't expect that members like Montenegro and North Macedonia pay much at all, and if they are willing to host a US base or two, they may even MAKE money off the deal.

No, James - NATO is just another political/strategic tool in the US toolbox.

Tell me what NATO's "Women, Peace and Security" programme has to do with defending against Russia.

Or the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme.

Or the NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (CCMS).

Or the NATO Public Diplomacy Division.

All these activities have "Grant Mechanisms" that NATO divvies out to members to keep them on the hook.

NATO is an international sociopolitical edifice that the US will NEVER "wind up".

And yes, the US uses NATO against Russia, but this is not just about Russia.

How was the attack on Libya protecting Russia's neighbours?

Or the bombing of Yugoslavia?

Or the US invasion of Iraq?

All NATO projects; all just more flexing of the US hegemonic muscle.