European Defense

European Union: Global Security Actor or Paper Tiger?
By March 15, 2010 Read More →

European Union: Global Security Actor or Paper Tiger?

The future direction of European defense is at a crossroads. On the one hand, the NATO experience in Afghanistan has cast into stark relief the limits of European military capacities, not only at the operational but also at the political levels. On the other hand, the recently enacted Lisbon Treaty offers important new opportunities to […]

Eurofighter Program Saved by Compromise Deal
By September 8, 2009 Read More →

Eurofighter Program Saved by Compromise Deal

The four nations involved in the Eurofighter Typhoon military aircraft consortium signed a long-awaited contract to buy more of the controversial fighter jets. The breakthrough represents a much-needed financial boost for a program central to European defense cooperation.

As Goes the West, So Goes NATO
By July 1, 2009 Read More →

As Goes the West, So Goes NATO

NATO has always been more than just a traditional military alliance because it has always been about more than just traditional military security.

A400M Project Highlights European Defense Paradox
By June 19, 2009 Read More →

A400M Project Highlights European Defense Paradox

  France and Germany have decided to wait another six months before determining the fate of the troubled A400M military transport plane.

Franco-Spanish Sub Dispute Shows Challenges Facing EU Defense Market
By May 28, 2009 Read More →

Franco-Spanish Sub Dispute Shows Challenges Facing EU Defense Market

  As if to illustrate the challenges facing an integrated European defense market, the French naval shipyard DCNS is suing Spain’s leading state-owned shipbuilding firm, Navantia, for allegedly stealing trade secrets relating to the Scorpène submarine project.

NATO Struggles to find Unity of Purpose
By April 4, 2009 Read More →

NATO Struggles to find Unity of Purpose

US President Barack Obama’s debut NATO summit at the Franco-German border on April 3-4 was a triumph of style over substance. Although allies put on a public face of unity, they were unable to agree on any of the major problems facing transatlantic security. As NATO marks its 60th birthday, the Alliance is mired in […]

Why France Wants to Rejoin NATO
By April 25, 2008 Read More →

Why France Wants to Rejoin NATO

French President Nicolas Sarkozy says he will decide by late 2008 or early 2009 whether France will fully rejoin the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

With ‘Old Europe’ Allies Like These…
By April 15, 2008 Read More →

With ‘Old Europe’ Allies Like These…

The recent NATO Summit in Romania showed why there is trouble ahead for transatlantic relations—no matter who occupies the White House next January.

Why Europe Needs a Hard Power Reality Check
By October 17, 2007 Read More →

Why Europe Needs a Hard Power Reality Check

Europeans are hoping a new European Union treaty will help raise their profile in international affairs. This is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Why Russia Fears Transatlantic Missile Defense
By March 28, 2007 Read More →

Why Russia Fears Transatlantic Missile Defense

Poland and the Czech Republic are considering an American request to base elements of an anti-missile defense system on their territory.