United States Global Security and the European Security and Defense Identity: A Case for European Military Autonomy
Abstract
The Cold War is over, the threat posed by communism no longer exists, and the United States (US) continues to occupy the preemminent position worldwide. With the removal of Cold War restrictions and constrictions, the pursuit of globalization is the most significant driving force that will shape human endeavor for the foreseeable future. With globalization will come new security threats that will demand new and innovative solutions; old ideas and old strategies applied to new security problems just won't work. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the context of US-European security affairs. Since 1945, the US strategy in Europe, and through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been ensuring stability and prosperity in close proximity to the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. Second only to national survival has been the reconstitution and security of Europe. In the year 2000, has the US obtained its Cold War goals regarding Europe? There is no longer any credible threat to the territorial integrity of Europe; the economy of the European Union (EU) alone is near equal to that of the US and democratization and self-determination are flourishing. Is it necessary for the US to maintain its current level of military involvement and focus for these conditions to continue?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA380017
Entities
People
- John F. Garrity Iii
- John W. Cotton
- Steven C. Sifers
Organizations
- United States Army War College