The United States and the concept of Europe's Defense

Abstract

The article deals with a range of security and defense issues that are at the forefront of the transatlantic debate. The Unites States was a key actor in shaping plans to set up Europe's defense in the post-war period. The debate on a “European defense” has considerably evolved since the late 1940s, so has the U.S. attitude. The dispute heated up in recent years with the U.S. strategic priorities shifting towards the Indo-Pacific, degrading security situation in Europe, and a “strategic autonomy” concept mooted within the EU. The controversies over European defense capabilities have revealed contrasting views on the subject. By examining the arguments of proponents and opponents of making Europe a self-sufficient player in defense area, the author figured out reasons explaining why it is hard to reconcile overlapping interests of the United States as the main security guarantor in NATO with the European Union’s ambitious, although ambiguous, intention of driving towards a strategic autonomy.