The Common European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP)
Abstract
This is the 41st volume in the Occasional Paper series of the U.S. Air Force Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). As the United States continues to adjust to its role in the post-Cold War world, the transatlantic partnership remains fundamental to U.S. security concerns. Commander Gunning's paper is a wake-up call suggesting that Europe is concerned about U.S. intransigence when it comes the security partnership with Europe. While the United States has often encouraged the Europeans to improve capabilities and take on a greater share of the defensive burden, their recent efforts to do so have often been viewed as paradoxical to U.S. concerns. Policy makers on this side of the Atlantic worry that Europe in some ways is moving towards going it alone with the development of the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). Still, U.S. desires for increased burden-sharing need to be reconciled with ESDP. Commander Gunning highlights these differences and spells out how, in his opinion, it is possible for the United States to remain engaged in Europe and to allow the European Union to develop its own defense identity. The differences of opinion between the two sides are more speed bumps than road blocks and some disagreement and frustration is to be expected. The conclusion here is that security interests on both sides of the Atlantic will be served in the long run by encouraging the development of a more autonomous European defense capability and through American patience as that process unfolds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA435066
Entities
People
- Edward G. Gunning Jr.
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy