Western Europe

Reagan’s Westminster speech is still a reminder of the power of words

By the Editors of the Washington Post

From the Editors of the Washington Post: Thirty years ago, on June 8, 1982, President Reagan delivered an address to the British Parliament that stands as one of the greatest of his presidency and a milestone in the final years of the Cold War.

Have the British Armed Forces Met Their Waterloo?

By Julian Lindley-French

Winston Churchill once lamented the “Want of foresight, unwillingness to act when action would be simple and effective, lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong, these are the features which constitute the endless repetition of history.” Reading the speech of British Defence Minister Philip Hammond […]

In Spain, Germany Is Villain, Not Savior

By Frederick Kempe

What brought me to Spain during the most threatening week of the country’s recent history was an invitation to speak about one of Europe’s darkest hours a half-century ago, pegged to the Spanish-language publication of my book Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth.

Britain’s Royal Navy can’t muster a dozen ship’s for a naval review to honor Queen’s diamond jubilee

By Neil Tweedie and Thomas Harding, the Telegraph

From Neil Tweedie and Thomas Harding, the Telegraph:  Britain is celebrating only the second diamond jubilee in its history. The occasion calls for a naval review, a staple of coronations and other great moments in the life of the nation, but it is not to be.

Britain fears NATO military gaps after US shift to Asia

By NewsCore

Europe’s New German Question

By Julian Lindley-French

Almost sixty years ago to the day, the European Defense Community (EDC) Treaty was signed in Paris. Under pressure from an America facing a possible war on two fronts – Korea and Europe, the aim was to create a European Army that would see West Germany re-armed to provide manpower for the defense of Europe […]

When Will You Face Strategic Reality, Mr. NATO Secretary General?

By Julian Lindley-French, the New Atlanticist

From Julian Lindley-French, the New Atlanticist: Dear Mr. Secretary General Rasmussen,

National contributions to NATO’s Smart Defense initiative

By Nicholas Fiorenza, Aviation Week

From Nicholas Fiorenza, Aviation Week: The Chicago summit will adopt multinational projects in the areas of logistics and sustainment; joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); force protection; and effective engagement.