European security and defence: In search of a forum
Key Strategic Challenges
The war in Ukraine has ended Europe’s long reliance on the peace dividend. After years of cutting defence budgets and neglecting their armed forces, European governments are now racing to rebuild military strength.
The urgency is heightened by doubts about the long-term US commitment to NATO. As Washington’s strategic focus shifts, the reliability of the American security guarantee can no longer be taken for granted.
This leaves Europe facing a delicate task of taking greater responsibility for its own defence while preserving the transatlantic alliance it still depends on. For now, the continent lacks key capabilities and remains deeply reliant on NATO command and control structures led by the United States.
