Western Europe

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

The Military Implications of Scottish and Catalonian Secession

New Atlanticist
Oct 2, 2024

A man in a hurry: Keir Starmer’s early approach is making waves at home and abroad

By
Ed Owen

The new UK prime minister’s much-anticipated speech at the Labour Party’s recent gathering in Liverpool is a window into where the country may be headed.

Economy & Business
Elections

New Atlanticist
Oct 2, 2024

Three state elections have backed Germany into a corner

By
Jurek Wille and Friedrich Conradi

The recent successes of populist parties in Germany’s state elections could signal an imminent shift in Berlin’s policies on climate, immigration, and aid for Ukraine.

Elections
Germany

New Atlanticist
Sep 26, 2024

France’s new government aims to calm the political storm. What will it mean for foreign policy?

By
Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is likely to follow the path of President Emmanuel Macron, but the big question is whether the delicate political context in Paris will allow ministers to focus on crises in Ukraine and Lebanon.

Europe & Eurasia
France

EVENTS

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Tue, May 6, 2025 • 12:30 pm ET

Belgium’s defense minister on Europe’s evolving security landscape

Europe & Eurasia
NATO
Security & Defense
Western Europe

Online Event
Tue, May 6, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

What to expect from Germany’s next government

Elections
Europe & Eurasia
European Union
Germany

Public Event
Thu, May 1, 2025 • 1:00 pm ET

Underwater mayhem: Countering NATO energy & critical infrastructure threats

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance
Europe & Eurasia
European Union

Program

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Content

Defense Industrialist

Aug 26, 2014

The Military Implications of Scottish and Catalonian Secession

By James Hasik

Scotland will free-ride in the Atlantic without sustained investment, but Catalonian maritime specialization would be welcome in the Mediterranean. On 18 September, Scotland votes on the question of independence from the United Kingdom, and the polling strongly suggests a vote of no. On 9 November, Catalonia could be voting on the same issue vis-à-vis Spain, but the polling slightly […]

NATO Security & Defense

Defense Industrialist

Aug 26, 2014

Germany and Japan’s Differing Arms Export Regimes

By James Hasik

It’s much easier to kill an arms exporting franchise than to build one. The armaments export policies of Germany and Japan seem to be crossing paths this month. His recent approval of the export of a whole tank factory to Algeria notwithstanding, German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel is said to have been piling up license requests on his desk, content to […]

Germany Japan

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, May 8, 2014

NATOSource

Aug 26, 2014

NATO’s Second-Class Members

By Slawomir Sierakowski, New York Times

There is no need to pretend: Those members who have no NATO bases are simply a gray area of second-class membership. What has become clear is that not all NATO members are equal.

Germany NATO

US Patriot missile battery in Turkey, February 4, 2013

NATOSource

Aug 25, 2014

NATO Debates Directing Missile Shield Against Russia

By Spiegel and RIA Novosti

From Spiegel: NATO officials are considering deploying a long-planned missile defense system — aimed at protecting Europe from attacks from the Middle East — against Russia as well, SPIEGEL has learned.

Germany Missile Defense

NATOSource

Aug 21, 2014

Drone Maker Northrop Grumman Eyes Europe Orders

By Robert Wall, Wall Street Journal

Northrop Grumman Corp. is betting the introduction of high-altitude surveillance drones within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will help trigger orders for dozens of such aircraft from European armed forces.

Drones Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Oct. 22, 2010

NATOSource

Aug 21, 2014

Special Summit Series: Germany and NATO

By Robin Allers

At NATO’s summit in Cardiff, Wales, Germany will be at the center of attention. Not because allies expect bold initiatives or major policy changes from Berlin, but because of Germany’s role as Europe’s undisputed leader.

Afghanistan Germany

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, June 25, 2014

NATOSource

Aug 19, 2014

Secretary General: Independent Scotland Would Have to Apply to Join NATO

By BBC

An independent Scotland would have to apply to Nato as a new state, secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.

NATO Security & Defense

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, March 11, 2014

NATOSource

Aug 18, 2014

Merkel Pledges NATO Will Defend Baltic Allies

By Reuters

Germany’s Angela Merkel promised the Baltic states on Monday that NATO would defend them, although it would not send permanent combat troops but would increase maneuvers.

Germany NATO

NATOSource

Aug 12, 2014

US-UK Relationship: ‘Not Only Special, But Essential’

By Matthew Barzun, US Department of State

We are drawing down our presence in Afghanistan, but stepping up our support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and intimidation.

NATO Security & Defense

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and UK Prime Minister David Cameron, June 19, 2014

NATOSource

Aug 11, 2014

Special Summit Series: The United Kingdom and NATO

By Julian Lindley-French

As host of the NATO Wales summit, British Prime Minister David Cameron faces a delicate challenge; strategy or politics?

NATO Security & Defense