Strategic Forum. Sustaining U.S.-European Global Security Cooperation. September 2005, Number 217
Abstract
The atmosphere and tone of transatlantic discourse have improved markedly in recent months. Sustaining transatlantic security cooperation will require narrowing lingering European-American differences over threat perceptions, strategy, and military priorities. There is sufficient commonality of assessments and interests to fashion complementary European and American policies toward key challenges, including countering terrorism and further proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD); promotion of Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation and reform in the wider Middle East; and relations with China, Russia, and Ukraine. Progress in these areas requires an enhanced transatlantic dialogue, particularly more systematic U.S.-European Union (EU) policy consultations, coupled with a mutual willingness to make policy adjustments. Priority should be given to developing convergent approaches to deal with warnings of imminent WMD terrorism; failure of diplomatic efforts to constrain Iran's nuclear program; security and governance problems in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Palestinian Authority; and China's global rise and military acquisitions. In fashioning an equitable transatlantic division of labor for the management of global security affairs, America's European partners have many important nonmilitary assets that should be factored into the equation. Washington will remain reluctant, however, to treat Europe as a full partner until it demonstrates significant progress on key NATO and EU defense improvement goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA441181
Entities
People
- Stephen J. Flanagan
Organizations
- National Defense University