Geopolitics

Britain’s Looming Defense Budget Squeeze
By April 22, 2010 Read More →

Britain’s Looming Defense Budget Squeeze

Although neither candidate has spelled out exactly where the budget axe will fall, military spending will almost certainly take a hit in coming years, regardless of who leads the next government. In fact, all three candidates say the status quo on military spending is unsustainable, and all are calling for a post-election strategic defense review […]

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 […]

End of Obamamania? Europe’s Tepid Reaction to Obama’s Nobel
By October 11, 2009 Read More →

End of Obamamania? Europe’s Tepid Reaction to Obama’s Nobel

European newspapers have reacted to Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize with a mixture of incredulity and scepticism. Almost without exception, newspapers across the continent (and political spectrum) are saying the award to Obama is premature and undeserved.

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.

Fifty Years of Basque Terrorism
By August 1, 2009 Read More →

Fifty Years of Basque Terrorism

The Spanish government has accused the Basque terrorist group ETA of responsibility for back-to-back bombings last week that killed two people and injured more than 50 others. The bloody attacks came as ETA — short for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, or Basque Fatherland and Freedom — marked the 50th anniversary of its founding.

Is ‘Obamamania’ Waning in Europe?
By July 7, 2009 Read More →

Is ‘Obamamania’ Waning in Europe?

A brief selection of European news stories that typify what seems to be a general trend toward a return to more negative reporting about America, its people and its president.

Spain Steps Back from Universal Jurisdiction
By July 3, 2009 Read More →

Spain Steps Back from Universal Jurisdiction

The Spanish National Criminal Court (Audiencia Nacional) said on June 30  it was scrapping an investigation into a 2002 Israeli Air Force bombing in Gaza that killed a suspected Hamas militant and 14 civilians. The move comes just days after the lower house of the Spanish Parliament voted to limit the scope of a 1985 […]

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.

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 […]

Europe Is Obama’s First ‘Global Test’
By November 14, 2008 Read More →

Europe Is Obama’s First ‘Global Test’

President-elect Barack Obama is already facing his first global test. It’s not coming from the usual suspects like Iran or North Korea, but from America’s “allies” in Europe.

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.