European Defense

Article Information: Category: August 2011; Created on 29 August 2011

The NATO-led operation in Libya has raised esteem for the French military and their capabilities among their American counterparts, according to this New York Times article reporting how French behavior in the Libyan operation has gained respect in the Pentagon.

Article Information: Category: June 2011; Created on 10 June 2011

In strong terms of condemnation rarely heard from a U.S. secretary of defense, Robert Gates chose his last appearance at a NATO ministerial conference to admonish the European allies that their failure to maintain their military has put at risk the U.S. commitment to the transatlantic alliance.

Article Information: Category: EA April 2011; Created on 08 April 2011

“Bad cases make bad law.” This axiom of jurisprudence can as easily apply to the use of force. What is happening in Libya at the moment is a “bad case” in three ways: military intervention in its civil war does not derive from well-established precedent, does not draw on unambiguous principle, and may not set a course or parameters for future conduct of various nations and institutions in similar – or roughly similar – cases. This conclusion will be tested the next time the U.S., its European and Canadian allies, and others are faced with a situation that seems to cry for outside intervention.

Article Information: Category: EA April 2011; Created on 08 April 2011

george friedman image This bold and deliberately provocative book on geopolitical forecasting has smart and suggestive points to make about the whole geopolitical scene, especially the U.S. and Europe.

According to the author George Friedman to manage its "unintended empire," Washington will need to learn the doctrine of playing off new regional contenders against each other. He advocates this "Machiavellian" strategy -- sometimes called "off-shore balancing" -- because it seeks to avoid getting U.S. "boots on the ground" and getting sucked into future wars that might resemble Iraq.

Article Information: Category: January 2011; Created on 14 January 2011

Could cuts in defense spending across the EU establish a collective capability to act autonomously or join the U.S. future military operations? Or will reduced troop and equipment levels across Europe leave the U.S. in a situation where it will have to act alone in expeditionary missions – a situation that many analysts say would jeopardize NATO’s collective future?

European Institute

European Defense

French Forces' Performance in Libyan Campaign Wins U.S. Military Respect (8/29)

U.S. Lambasts European Allies for Failing NATO (6/10)

The Allies In Libya: A New Paradigm For Intervention?

"Where are U.S. and Europe Heading? Managing America’s Unintended Empire” by George Friedman

British defense cuts pose challenges for U.S. – and also for the rest of the EU

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