This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler How will Europe defend itself without America? – with Air Marshal Edward Stringer
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Feb 26, 2025 Air Marshal Edward Stringer, a seasoned expert in European security and former Director-General of the Defence Academy, joins Gavin Esler to discuss the shifting tides of defense in Europe. The conversation dives into NATO's evolving role amidst decreasing American support and the pressing threat from Russia. Stringer emphasizes the urgent need for Europe to bolster its own defense strategies and navigate the complexities of geopolitical tension. Will Europe rise to the challenge of independence in security?
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NATO Disarray and Differing Threat Perceptions
- NATO's future is uncertain due to differing views within the alliance, particularly regarding the threat from Russia.
- Eastern European nations, with direct experience of Soviet occupation, perceive a greater threat than Western European nations or the US.
Neglect of Military Capabilities
- Europe, including the UK, has neglected its military capabilities since the end of the Cold War, focusing on a 'peacetime' military.
- This neglect includes crucial elements like supply chains and industrial mobilization capacity, essential for sustained wartime operations.
Russia's Strengths and Weaknesses
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine has exposed its military's weaknesses and its struggle to mobilize effectively.
- Russia's strength lies in exploiting divisions and leveraging grey zone operations to manipulate the political landscape, impacting battlefield outcomes.