European military prospects, economic constraints, and the Rapid Reaction Force

Book abstract:

As the European Union seeks to enhance its military capabilities through the instruments of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) this report offers a useful analysis of the recent record of economic growth, military spending and military investments in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Based on a project co-sponsored by the Office of Net Assessment in the US Department of Defence and the Smith Research Foundation and executed by the US National Defence Research Institute (RAND) the report examines economic and military trends in these four countries between 1985-1999. Forecasts for military spending between 2001 to 2010 are calculated on the basis of these case studies, according to a model explained in an appendix, and these are examined from the perspective of the estimated costs involved in the ESDP and the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF). The report also touches on a number of the political issues concerned with ESDP, particularly its role alongside NATO.

The book offers a useful contribution to the current debate on the future direction of EU defence policy and particularly the need for increased military spending in the EU Member States.

The report should be of interest to those in the policy community concerned with NATO, relations between the EU and NATO and the outlook for defence spending in key European countries. Students of International Relations or the European Union will also find this report valuable.