European strategic autonomy in the transatlantic security context: American perceptions of European security and defence integration 1998–2022

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ABSTRACT European strategic autonomy has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years, but the discussion has largely been Euro-centric and overlooked the American perspective. This paper addresses this scholarly gap by reviewing European strategic autonomy from the US perspective. The paper focuses on two groups: political decision-makers (such as presidents, secretaries of state and defence) and foreign policy influencers (people working in think tanks and research institutes). By analysing their speeches, statements, and reports over nearly 25 years (1998–2022), the paper provides a review of the American debate on European strategic autonomy, its complexities, and its evolving nature. The paper concludes that the American debate on European strategic autonomy is more multivocal and complex than is often understood in Europe. The arguments for and against strategic autonomy coexist and are relatively permanent. Especially the debate among decision-makers has shown little fluctuation across the last five administrations, while policy influencers present a more varied discourse, revealing distinct perspectives. The paper demonstrates the nuanced nature of US attitudes towards European security and defence, which decision-makers in Europe should pay close attention to.