The Defense of Europe: The Trans-Atlantic Relationship after Two Years of War
Dec 15, 2023
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The podcast explores the current state of European defense policy and the trans-Atlantic relationship after two years of war. It discusses the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on the region, the importance of engaged American leadership, and the contradictions in US foreign policy. The chapter also highlights the keys to effective diplomacy and defense, emphasizing curiosity, humility, and preparedness. Lastly, it addresses the challenges ahead for Europe-US defense policy, including the fate of Ukraine and the growing alliance against China.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine served as an extraordinary unifying force within Europe and strengthened the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Building capabilities, adaptability, and trust in institutions are crucial in European defense policy to effectively address evolving threats.
Deep dives
The Value of NATO and EU for Security and Quality of Life
The podcast episode discusses the importance of NATO and the EU for nations seeking to join them, emphasizing the value of security and quality of life they provide. The conversation highlights the failure of Putin's objectives in Ukraine, with a realization that the longer the war goes on, the greater the cost for Russia. The episode also explores the state of European defense policy, analyzing policy failures that led to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It concludes by discussing the implications of the war on broader geopolitical policy areas.
Building Capabilities and Adaptability for the Future
The conversation emphasizes the importance of building capabilities and adaptability for the future in the face of evolving threats. It highlights the need for quality personnel and a resilient society that trusts its institutions. The episode underscores the significance of being a learning organization and the ability to effectively adapt to new and emerging threats. It also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and effective narratives in shaping policy and strategy.
The Role of Curiosity and Humility in Diplomacy
The conversation stresses the importance of leading with curiosity and humility in diplomacy. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to truly understand and respect the perspectives of different countries and cultures. The episode highlights the power of genuine storytelling and the ability to connect with people on a deeper level. It also underscores the significance of aligning policy and actions with values, such as human rights and democracy, while finding a balance between interests and principles.
Challenges and Implications for European Defense Policy
The episode explores the challenges and implications for European defense policy, particularly in the context of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. It highlights the need for sustained support to Ukraine and the potential consequences if such support wavers. The conversation also discusses the evolving transatlantic relationship in the face of competition with China and emphasizes the importance of addressing fissures and divisions within Europe. It underscores the complexity of navigating relations with China and the need for effective communication and coordination between policymakers.
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Nearly two years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine. In the lead-up to the war, European states largely agreed on the importance of supporting Russia, but disagreed about the optimal form—and scale—of that support. In many ways, the invasion served an extraordinary unifying function within Europe and strengthened the trans-Atlantic alliance. But what is the state of those relations now? And where does European defense policy stand after two years of war? To explore those questions, we’re joined in this episode by Ravi Agrawal, editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy, and retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the former commanding general of US Army Europe and coauthor of the book Future War and the Defence of Europe.