Publication

This paper chronicles the development of the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) and discusses its strategic significance within the framework of US security. The author assesses the durability of the ESDP and addresses the driving political motivations behind the European defense project. In the process, the author demystifies the functioning of ESDP and advances a number of recommendations for US policymakers to improve the handling of the ESDP. The author proposes that Washington consult with European allies in ways that diminish concerns about American unilateralism, reduce restrictions on technology transfers critical to European defense modernization, and develop reliable modalities for NATO-EU military cooperation. In the author's opinion, only such US policies will allow the ESDP to evolve in a manner consistent with long-term US interests. The author concludes that US security depends largely on the outcome of the ESDP.