Seven paradoxes of NATO’s revival as Europe’s primary security institution

Should EU states prioritise foreign policy cooperation through the EU or through NATO? Alexander Mattelaer writes that the balance between the EU and NATO has tipped increasingly toward the latter in recent years. However, he argues that this trend is no cause for transatlantic celebration as Brexit, upheaval in Turkey and other developments threaten to undermine the West’s security architecture.

The seven paradoxes:

+ Fractured US politics, but consensus on NATO
+ NATO’s revival despite talk of a European army
+ Rising European defence spending
+ A familiar strategy in a time of change
+ Disinformation tactics
+ European defence as crisis management
+ Geopolitical turbulence

ESO: Background information: NATO Summit, Warsaw, 8-9 July 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/nato-summit-warsaw-8-9-july-2016/

ESO: Background information: 28 EU Defence ministers agree to move forward on European Defence http://www.europeansources.info/record/28-eu-defence-ministers-agree-to-move-forward-on-european-defence/

ESO: Background information: NATO Secretary General: We are as united as ever / Nato boosts presence in eastern Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/nato-secretary-general-we-are-as-united-as-ever-nato-boosts-presence-in-eastern-europe/

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