Closing the Gap Between United States and European Military Capabilities

Abstract

Abstract : The gap in capabilities between the United States and her European Allies is well documented and accepted as a problem by the leadership on both sides of the gap. The United States is recognized as the world's dominant power and probably the only super power. Members of the French elite even refer to the United States as a hyperpower to emphasize the disparity between the power of the United States and that of the rest of the world. In spite of its immense relative power, the United States still does not have the ability to engage effectively, all over the world, all of the time. The United States must still operate with allies and coalitions of the willing to achieve her foreign policy and national security objectives. If these allied and coalition operations are to be effective, the United States must determine a way to minimize the effects of the capabilities gap. Closing the gap will be a difficult endeavor. No single, readily apparent, significant threat to European interests and security has existed since the end of the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union. Defense budgets throughout Europe have declined significantly over the past ten years. Funding priorities lie in social programs and economic reform rather then defense and security concerns. Additionally, since Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, the leadership of the European Union has chosen to strengthen the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) with capabilities separate from NATO. This could be a source of competition for scarce defense dollars if it results in duplication of effort. This paper will analyze the gap and its implications