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Gen Joseph W. Ralston said that the key security challenges in Europe include: 1) Insuring multinational interoperability; 2) Force Protection—exercising an aggressive Antiterrorism/Force Protection program; 3) Insuring the peaceful integration of the Balkans into the rest of Europe; 4) NATO enlargement and integration—with 9 more European states aspiring to join; 5) Maintaining positive and constructive relationship with Russia; 6) Establishment of a common foreign policy and military capability within the European Union—The European Security and Defense Policy and the associated Rapid Reaction Force (60,000 personnel); 7) Assuaging European concerns with respect to the Strategic Missile Defense Iniative; 9) Though not strictly in Europe: Continued operations wrt to Northern and Southern Watch and maintaining peace and responding to hostilities in Africa. (p. 10-18)

Other key factors effecting the security of the region he discussed include:

1. USEUCOM readiness to respond to potential threats. Together with this are USEUCOM efforts in Joint Training and Engagement of Allied force for the purposes of coordination and efficiency; 2) Maintaining our forward presence as in the past; 3) Ensuring the furtherance of the peace process through Partnership for Peace, Stat Partnership, Marshall Center, and various other programs (p. 5-10).

Course Version 11. Within the United States European Command (USEUCOM), the European nations continue to struggle with ethnic unrest in the Balkans, regions of Africa continue to suffer political turmoil and armed insurrection, and the peoples of the Middle East continue to strive for peace in the region (p. 6).

The USEUCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR) continues to be a theater in conflict. A sustained theater level military campaign to keep peace and assist in implementing the Dayton agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina, contingency planning, and force deployments to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Kosovo, continuing tensions in the Middle East, and daily combat missions supporting Operation Northern Watch demonstrate just some of the challenges in the European theater (p.).

USEUCOM faces many other challenges:

1. Preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction;
2. Dealing with terrorism;
3. Shaping post Cold War security environments, and
4. Conducting contingency operations across a widely dispersed geographic area (p. 7).

The USEUCOM continues to experience the continued challenges of regional instability. In Europe the geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving due to the pending accession of new members to NATO, the growing movement toward European integration and the struggle of the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union to rebuild their Soviet-style economies (p. 7).

Instability also persists in the Balkan region, tensions exist in the Aegean between Greece and Turkey, progress is slow in the implementation of peace in the Middle East, and armed conflict persists in Africa. Security challenges have deepened in Southeastern Europe due to forces of Serbian nationalism and ethnic division inspired by President Milosevic’s continued suppression of other ethnic groups. Renewed fighting in Kosovo threatens the security of the entire region as well as US investment in Bosnia (p. 8).

USEUCOM is executing a strategy of regional engagement focused on shaping the international security environment and preventing conflict (p. 8).

Version 12. Europeans are beginning to unite into a common body…Not a United States of Europe, but a union in which they share the same currency, can move from country to country without visas, and are much more cooperative with each other than ever before (p 19-49). They are also pursuing their own military force in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration--60000 troops to be available for their deployment in 2003 (p. 50-64). In short, they are slowly becoming more independent and powerful as a group.

Version 11. Today for the first time in European history, more than two dozen governments have abandoned the idea of preparing to win a war against their neighbors, and instead are concentrating on maintaining peace and prosperity through democratic governance. Europe is increasingly becoming more introspective. However, the call from the US for Europe to assume greater global political responsibility is getting louder. Demands on Europeans to carry an even larger share of the joint international burden are rising as the US redirects its own resources to domestic problems

0. The end of the Cold War -. The Cold War was the glue for both the US and Europe; close political, economic and military alliance was vital.

0. The United States is focused on domestic political, economic and social affairs, as opposed to international security -. American public believes economic interests should be top priority for the US as a nation.

0. The United States presence in Europe is being significantly reduced. In the last few years, 200,000 US troops left European, and now the official US political and cultural presence in Europe is noticeable diminishing, too.

0. Congress has changed - The emergence of a new generation of politicians have accelerated the dramatic decrease in knowledge about Europe. .

0. Trade and demographic changes in the United States The new leaders on both sides are post-post war generation; more of the Vietnam era.

0. The US is moving away from its European roots.

0. Most important is the economic change reflects the growing importance of new markets outside Europe, particularly in Asia.

Europe’s own reorientation -

0. The disappearance of the Soviet threat has made Europe less likely to follow US lead in response to global challenges.

0. Europe’s attention has shifted to the east and Central and Eastern Europe

0. European-US differences over the war in former Yugoslavia have highlighted transatlantic divisions over a major security issue.

3. How has continuing ethnic violence in parts of Europe threatened European security and impacted US-European relations?

Threat to security:

• Power struggles among sub-state groups that identify themselves along ethnic lines as a result of the collapse of state authorities (Balkans)
• Potential that the status of an ethnic group minority within a state might provoke irredentism (any country advocating the acquisition of some region of another country) claims by another state
• Tensions that occur within a state as a result of the state’s resistance to demands by minority or other groups for special ethno-political status
• In Europe there are large minority populations within established states. The demands of these minorities for special status, and the treatment of these groups by the state, constitute potential flash points for the degradation of inter-state or intra-state relations.

Each country and its overarching security oraganization (NATO , EU, WEU,etc) is tested and its relations with other allies strained by the ethnic violence in their region. Each country and its allies will respond according to their own national interests.

Impact on US-European relations:

• The US provided about 60 to 80 percent of the planes and bombs to resolve the Balkan crises. It has asked Europeans to provide for more of their own defense in the future. They are currently developing such forces (the Rapid Reaction Force).
• The US has no desire to be involved in continuing police keeping actions and threatened to pull out of them, but has been asked to provide continued support to the tune of 20% of the total effort. This the US has agreed to.
• The US continues to view Europe as an important strategic area and key trading area and is willing to invest to keep it on safe ground. Europe’s peace is America’s peace. Pages 91-98

 

Question 4: In what ways do the US and its NATO partners disagree on responding to regional security threat?

Version 12.

1. Typically disagree on the tactics required… NATO’s war efforts are sometimes hampered by political interference by the 19 NATO country members.
2. The US has advocated a zero casualties (during Kosovo War) putting the Europeans and the US in an awkward position—essentially eliminating the use of ground forces. This mandated a heavy use of aircraft and bombing during Kosovo Operations.
3. The US does not like to be involved in reconstruction and policing actions. However, Europeans have insisted we provide such support with troops on the ground. (92-96)

Version 11.

"At the core of the disagreement were the two divergent views held by the US and its European allies of what the security-projecting missions should be and how far beyond allied borders such missions ought to be sanctioned. The Europeans continue to take a regional position, in keeping with their foreign policy interests, while the US emphasized a more global role for NATO as a tool for the security of the developed Western democracies."(75)

 

DLO #2 Summarize the range of US security interests in the region.

Question 5. How do different elements of European integration affect US national interests?

US National interests in Europe include Europe as a key trading partner, our cultural roots, and security.

Current key elements of integration include the European Unions common market and currency, visa free travel and trade within Europe, and the development of a European common defense mechanism—The Rapid Reaction Force. It also includes the European Unions expansion to include formerly communist states.

As Europe increases its productivity by strengthening its markets we benefit by having a stronger trading partner. However, we do lose some control in that our partner will be less likely to be coerced into loaning us money as in the past, will have a stronger monetary system that will not be easily overcome by our own, and will be more competitive. The last two world wars and all of our major wars have been with or involved Europe. That they can take care of themselves and issues within their borders relieves us of the responsibility; however, the stronger they are the more concern we have if they should turn against us. As Europe unites and becomes more stable, it is a safer place for Europeans, and as an ally, a safer place for Americans to visit and enjoy. This will lead to increased business and American involvement.

Question 6. With the presence of the US and NATO, why does the EU need another defense capability? Why is it in the US best interest that the EU proceed with a defense capability?

1. The United States has stated repeatedly that the Europeans are not pulling their fair weight with respect to NATO. The Europeans should take a primary role with respect to their own security The US routinely provided up to 80% of the required Air and bomb delivery capability during Operation Allied Force. This appalled Tony Blair and other European Leaders.
2. The United States does not want to be involved in peace keeping actions; but, until Europe has the capability to defend and police itself we are forced to be engaged. (p. 50-61)

Question 7. What are the major issues associated with continued NATO enlargement? *Why does continued NATO enlargement mean a more stable Europe?

Issues:

1. * "The 1999 ENLARGEMENT of NATO … has proved the United States is committed to remaining directly involved in the security realm on the European continent after the Cold War, and has established NATO as the primary security organization in Europe for the foreseeable future."
2. * It "has the potential to move central Europe away from its historical pattern of instability and great-power competition and toward further integration into Western political and economic institutions." (p 55)
3. It is viewed by Russia as a strengthening of the west and a weakening of their position and loss of their buffer zone.
4. Bringing weaker allies into NATO that will not provide significant military support to the alliance. The NATO mean for military investment by member states is 2.2 % of their GDP.
5. * NATO enlargement provides a bridge to former communist dominated states to join the European Union.
6. * European states joining NATO see it as their best chance to avoid being retaken during the next period of communist imperialism or expansionism.
7. * NATO fosters democratic and free societies. "In the case of Poland, the political criteria for NATO membership framed the boundaries of civil-military relations…emulated by…Hungary and Czechs…encouraged non-antagonistic relations with neighbors and contributed to the sense of external security the countries needed in order to proceed with democratic reforms." (p 55)

 

DLO #3. Assess the continued viability of critical regional alliances.

Some of the key regional alliances are indicated on the following figure.



North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was an instrument of collective defense; the new roles include "collective security" Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). In June 1992, NATO foreign ministers formally declared the Alliance’s willingness, on a case-by-case basis to support peacekeeping activities under the auspices of the (CSCE). The Alliance agreed to make troops and equipment available and UN efforts to bring peace to the former Yugoslavia. It has also taken on the role of insuring all political boundaries in Europe remain as they are. NATO continues to be a vibrant source of security and strength in Europe and will remain that way as long as it receives backing from the US and continue to accommodate European and US needs.

Western European Union (WEU) or "coalitions of the willing" composed of self-selected Allies and non-NATO countries such as Russia. The WEU is the oldest security organization in Europe. Founded in 1948 under the Brussels Treaty by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, with West German and Italy joining in 1954, the WEU was dormant for most of the Cold War, superceded by NATO. However, the WEU began to revive in the late 1980s when NATO’s European members became increasingly concerned about the need to create a "European leg" for NATO. In December 1991, the Maastricht Treaty declared that the WEU might become either the "European pillar" of NATO or the defense arm of the European Community. However, there are many who feel uncomfortable with this position. The organization is not likely viable as a vehicle for peace in Europe.

Euro-Atlantic Partnership council (EAPC) are nations that were formally East European members of the Warsaw Pact or republics of the Soviet Union. This organization is falling apart. (31)

Conference of Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). Begun in 1973 by 35 European and Norht American states, the CSCE had expanded by 1993 to include 51 states. Until 1991 the CSCE required unanimous consent before it could even discuss an issue. It also had no means to act on decisions. Does not have a good track record and is not likely viable.

European Union (EU). Created with the Maastricht Treaty in the early 1990’s has the following objectives: a common European currency, European Central Bank, a common foreign and defense policy, political unity, social equality, and labor relations. It was approved by twelve of the most successful European states in the European Community. It has been moving steadily forward and is likely viable.

Version 11 material info:

NATO’s principle new roles have thus been: (30)

1. pursuing dialog and cooperation with former adversaries and other non-NATO nations in the EAPC
2. Contributing to crisis management and "peace operation," particularly under UN auspices

NATO enlargement: (45)

• Cannot afford to disengage
• It is expected by moving east, NATO will stabilize the periphery of unified Germany and contribute to the consolidation of the democratic transition in the region. (79)
• If they lag in their integration their failure will have negative repercussions through out central and Eastern Europe as well as determining the stabilization of southeastern Europe. (80)

 

 

Question 8: Why does NATO continue to thrive as the preeminent security organization for the North Atlantic community?

• Because of a well developed command, control and intelligence structure
• Because of passed successes and the trust of its members
• Because it continues to receive significant support from the United States and NATO allies with respect to military operations

Version 11.

• "NATO remains the single most effective institution for combining the political-military assets of the Western powers" (49)
• "NATO leverages the power by adding the forces, base access and diplomatic weight of our allies to help secure American and Allied interests in this region"(12)
• "NATO has the potential for beginning the process of a lasting reconciliation among central Europeans." (78)

 

Question 9: What significant roles and functions can and should NATO have in post-Cold War Europe?

Provide the foundation for increased security and democracy by increasing its membership to those who qualify.

Version 11. NATO must undertake larger deterrence and collective defense measures regarding stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region to include:

• Effective crisis interventions and peace operations
• Peacekeeping exercises and other cooperative activities with non-NATO countries to sustain the Alliance
• Demonstrate staying power in Bosnia and other peace support operations (page 48)

Question 10. What role does Russia play in the new European security architecture?

It is not a member of NATO but is included in the meetings. There is some concern that having the Russians there may inhibit NATO business. They have asked to be a part of NATO; but, have much reform to do politically and economical to obtain entry.

Nevertheless, Russians have provided support to KFOR policing actions. They want to be involved, but are still feared by those so recently under their heel. As such, Russia will need to show its peaceful intentions and be allowed to contribute to the peace in Europe.

Question 11: Why is NATO and EU enlargement into Eastern Europe a good idea?

"The 1999 NATO enlargement has the potential to move central Europe away from its historical pattern of instability and great-power competition and toward further integration into Western political and economic instituitions."(71)

• There is a "danger that enlargement might trigger a renewed round of Russian hostility and pressure on the region"(78)
• Also " enlargement might water-down NATO’s core defensive role". (71)
• Additionally, major issues of NATO enlargement include:
1. The US is committed to remaining directly involved in the security realm on the European continent.
2. The US established NATO as the primary security organization in Europe
3. US broke down organizational barriers between the communist and non-communist states.
4. NATO enlargement has contributed to stabilizing central Europe.
5. NATO enlargement laid foundation for a new security dynamic in the region.

Question 12: How are Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary assisting neighboring states in their preparations for EU and NATO membership?

They are building bilateral institutional links with their neighboring states.

1) Making treaties. For instance the following treaties have been established: Poland and Czechoslovakia, 1991; Hungary and Ukraine, 1991; Poland and Ukraine, 1992; Poland and Russia, 1992; Poland and Belaurs, 1992; Hungary and Croatia, 1992; Hungary and Slovenia, 1992; Poland and Lithuania, 1994; Hungary and Slovakia, 1995; Hungary and Romania, 1996.

2) Besides the peace treaty, Poland has been helping Lithuania meet NATO and EU standards by giving Vilnius various kinds of materiel to include mortars, howitzers, trucks, ammunition, and radar stations, as well as help it create an air defense system. They have also put together a joint polish-lithuanian battalion of 700 servicemen. Created a body of 20 legislators from each country to be a forum to exchange views on domestic and international issues. The two governments created a Council on Issues of Cooperation between the Governments of the Polish Republic and Lithuanian Republic. In particular it focuses on foreign policy and security; economic cooperation; education, science, culture, and cultural heritage; and national minorities. Similar sorts of activities have been occurring between Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and other neighboring states.