Shashank Joshi, Defence editor for The Economist, and Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent, engage in a compelling discussion about Europe's shifting security landscape. They delve into the anxiety surrounding America's potential withdrawal of support, emphasizing the urgent need for increased European defense spending. Gardner analyzes the implications of France's military exit from the Sahel, shedding light on rising anti-French sentiments and the growing influence of Russia in the region. Additionally, they touch on the intersection of politics and spirituality during the Maha Kumbh Mela in India.
Europe's growing dependency on American military support underscores the urgent need for increased defense spending and capability enhancement amid rising security threats.
The Mahakumbh Mela's evolution into a politically charged event illustrates the intertwining of faith and national identity in contemporary India despite its tragic incidents.
Deep dives
France's Military Withdrawal from Africa
France is concluding its counter-terrorism operations in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where it has maintained a military presence since the 1960s. The withdrawal is framed as a response to growing anti-French sentiment and the emergence of military governments that have sought to replace French forces with Russian mercenaries. As France exits these countries, there are concerns about the security vacuum created by this shift, especially given that jihadist violence continues to escalate in the region. The newly formed Alliance of Sahelian States aims to combat these threats independently, but the effectiveness of this coalition remains uncertain as it grapples with significant security challenges and rising violence against civilians.
Europe's Defense Dilemmas
European nations are increasingly aware of their dependency on American military support, particularly in the context of rising security concerns. As discussions about European military deployments to Ukraine unfold, issues related to troop availability, operational gaps, and financial constraints are surfacing. Currently, most European armies are understrength and lack the capability to generate adequate combat forces, highlighting years of underinvestment in defense since the Cold War. The financial demands to reach a credible defensive posture are substantial, suggesting that European countries must significantly boost their defense spending to safeguard their security without relying solely on the United States.
The Transformative Power of the Mahakumbh Mela
The Mahakumbh Mela has seen a remarkable transformation, attracting a diverse array of pilgrims, including India's elite, to the religious festival traditionally perceived as a gathering for poorer individuals. Factors contributing to this surge include India's economic growth, which has made travel more accessible, and the rising aspirational appeal of Hinduism, intensified by political narratives that intertwine faith with national identity. While the festival promotes spiritual cleansing through holy dips in the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, it has also been marred by tragedy, including a deadly stampede. Despite the chaos, the ruling party has framed the event as a success, using it to reinforce their Hindu nationalist agenda and garner support among the populace.
This week European leaders have lined up to charm Donald Trump. But the broad smiles belie a bigger fear: what would it mean for the continent’s security if America forsakes its security guarantees? What the pull-out of French forces will mean for Africa (10:56). And the Maha Kumbh Mela shows how piety became political in India (18:55).
