Trans-Atlantic Implications of the Evolving U.S. Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific Region
Abstract
Sequestration triggered a review of the U.S. Defense Strategy's Pivot to Asia, reviving concerns about impacts on the European security environment. The most likely alliance future: NATO remains a regionally oriented security organization unmatched within its European sphere of influence and will progressively return to its historical focus of limited operational ambition coupled with a more balanced trans-Atlantic relationship. Changes include: U.S. increases emphasis on other regions, but Europe remains essential to U.S. security strategy; U.S. reduces resources, but retains primacy within Alliance; U.S. reduces participation, but provides the key enablers; U.S. adjusts presence, but structure aligned to threats. Combined with diminished European budgets, these result in: European Allies increasingly take the lead in regional missions; As Alliance defense budgets are reduced, ambition contracts to a regional sphere of influence; Europeans won't keep pace technologically and the U.S. stays the primary source of enablers. To achieve alliance endstates, NATO must generate enough political will to implement recommendations to remain a capable fighting force operating cohesively as an Alliance to ensure the security of Europe.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA592760
Entities
People
- Kenneth D. Chase
Organizations
- NATO Defense College