The Changing Face of Europe: Implications for United States Grand Strategy
Abstract
For the more than 40 years of the Cold War, United States grand strategy for national security primarily employed the political and military elements of national power to attain the ultimate objective of the strategy; prevention of Soviet hegemony in Eurasia and eventual defeat of communism. The two fundamental components of the strategy were containment and deterrence. By the end of 1990 the strategy had been successful and, by the end of 1991, the Soviet Union itself had ceased to exist. This study examines the new European environment influencing formulation of an evolving national security strategy. Impacts and implications of a changed Europe are explored by investigating American interests in Europe today, the changing relationship between economics and national security, and threats to U.S. interests in Europe. Recommendations for U.S. National Security Strategy are posited in view of political, economic and military developments in Europe. The United States has significant interests in sustaining peace and stability in a changing and uncertain Europe. Mutual economic security and prosperity have become as important as military collective security alliances and have emerged as a new rationale for continued US commitment to engagement in European affairs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251444
Entities
People
- Henry L. Van Brederode
Organizations
- United States Army War College