Brussels Sprouts Europe's Defense Dilemma
Jan 16, 2026
Sophia Besch, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, and Christian Mölling, director at the European Policy Centre, dive into Europe’s evolving defense landscape. They discuss the urgent need for European nations to bolster their militaries, especially in light of wavering U.S. support. Bringing fresh perspectives, they debate the feasibility of rearmament as a deterrent against Putin and the challenges of national fragmentation versus collective action. They also explore Germany's potential leadership role and the future of NATO amid changing global dynamics.
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Managed Transatlantic Divorce
- Europe is experiencing a managed 'divorce' from guaranteed U.S. security cover and must build its own capabilities.
- That separation accelerates European defense integration out of necessity and realism.
Money Without A Joint Plan
- Money and political will exist in Europe, but there is no joint plan or governance to convert spending into coherent capabilities.
- Fragmented national purchases and industrial policy risk locking in inefficiencies and dependence.
NATO's Current Limits
- NATO currently struggles to lead on questions about Russia and Ukraine, limiting its ability to be the driver of European defense.
- Pragmatic regional cooperation is filling gaps even if it risks fragmentation.