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Return of the Jedi

Seems the talks between President Bush and the European Union leadership have been a little icy. While celebrating a token commitment of European support concerning Iraqi reconstruction and troop training, the President has nonetheless expressed misgivings about Europe’s insistence on a strong European defense structure independent of NATO. Addressing the issue of a rising European state as a counterbalance to U.S. hegemony, Bush had this to say:

“Why, when in fact we share values and goals? As opposed to counterbalancing each other, why don’t we view this as a moment when we can move in a concerted fashion to achieve those goals?”

You mean the kind of values and goals that keep the United States number one in the world? I don’t think Europe shares those values, Mr. President.

Europe spent the latter half of the 20th century recovering from two devastating military conflicts. Continental destruction, coupled with the Cold War, created a need for international assistance with matters of defense. Enter NATO. Consequently, Europe has been afforded the luxury of sitting quietly aside while America has carried the bulk of military responsibilities worldwide. It’s the RISK equivalent of hanging out in Australia. They haven’t been inactive, mind you, just not as engaged, financially or otherwise, as their allies. They haven’t had to be. Putting peacekeeping troops in the Balkans isn’t quite the same as overthrowing Saddam Hussein.

Part of a strong European superpower, of course, is independent military power. Many of Europe’s national arms chiefs now hope to meet in two separate forums–one for NATO, and one for the EU. Steps have already been taken to achieve autonomy. Eero Lavonen, Chairman of the European Defense Agency’s national armaments directors, will oversee the development of a planned 60,000-strong EU rapid reaction force. When asked to comment on the impending rivalry between NATO and EU military organizations, one defense insider responded, “It’s going to be an interesting ballgame between NATO meetings and the EDA’s, and I’ve got my money on the latter.”

We’ll talk about European economics a little later.

Stay tuned…