Defense of Europe: A European Perception

摘要

Since its foundation in 1949 NATO has achieved remarkable success: the prevention of war with the Warsaw Pact. However, the continuation of relative peace in Europe is not assured. One of the present, disturbing developments is the decline of the cohesiveness of the Alliance. Different perspectives on the defense of Europe in the United States in the European countries are the main cause for this decline and are not well understood. This essay describes the European perception of NATO as a whole and the European perspectives on the nuclear and conventional aspects of the defense of Europe. The distinction between nuclear and conventional defense demonstrates the European perspective. Important aspects of the role of Europe in NATO in relation to the position and interests of the United States are discussed. Misunderstandings exist in this relationship on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, which in turn render limitations upon Europe in its efforts to reinforce the European pillar of NATO. The essay concludes with a short and long term outlook on the future of NATO. Three subjects directly related to the future of the defense of Europe and of NATO are presented. These are: (1) Alternatives to the defense of Europe; (2) Implications of new technological developments; (3) Improvement of conventional capabilities.