The new US Defense Strategy and Europe

The United States has announced a new defense strategy, shifting its main attention from Europe to Asia and the Pacific. Some in Europe consider this to be a disaster, and further proof that the United States is abandoning Europe.

A more balanced approach, however, could lead us to a very different conclusion. In the first place, because after this withdrawal there will still be 60,000 American troops on the European continent. Down from 275,000, true, but a substantial presence nevertheless. Furthermore, Washington has decided to extend their presence in Turkey, Romania and Poland, and the Spanish base of Rota will see the arrival of four new battleships.

The European Union, however, could be expected to have a positive reaction, and deepen its cooperation in foreign and security policy. It would be further desirable to seek a common view of global matters on both sides of the Atlantic.

Of course, at this stage of the game, this will simply not happen, and the only world power with a global strategy will continue to be the United States for a long time to come.