The end of the beginning?
What are the specific lessons of Europe’s contemporary history for its future defence and how does history illuminate the challenges of such a defence? From D-Day to the creation and development of NATO, the importance of sufficient and legitimate military power has been at the heart of credible defence and deterrence. Innovation and technology allied to strategic responsibility have been key to maintaining the unity of effort and purpose vital to upholding and expanding Europe’s freedoms. Ultimately, for Europe’s defence to be credible to its citizens as well as adversaries and allies, there must be a tight bond between defence, power, and leadership allied to structures that magnify security and defence, such as NATO and the EU. There must also be a demonstrable sharing of equitable burdens without which any defence effort withers and dies over time.