In defence of European defence: An American perspective

The American foreign-policy community is now questioning the viability of t he traditional transatlantic security bargain - namely, that Europe pursues integration while the US keeps the peace. In the aftermath of the Kosovo W ar, a new consensus is emerging in the US that the Atlantic security compac t can be maintained only if it becomes more balanced, The US should therefo re unequivocally support Europe's renewed efforts to forge a credible commo n defence. Under the terms of a new Atlantic bargain, Europe would build a robust military capability and the US would in return accord Europe a voice commensurate with its new station: in effect, capabilities for influence. The US and Europe should stop sparring over European defence, and get on wi th the hard work of bringing this new bargain to fruition.