Book Description
The development of a European defense policy need not wait for the formation of a European Union. As the activities of organizations such as NATO and the European Communities become increasingly interrelated, military-economic endeavors such as arms procurement lay the foundation for a European defense policy. Different economic, political, and military factors determine which countries are most important in the formation of a defense policy and which nations would only play a minor role. The US could take several actions which would aid in the formation of a European defense policy. The concept of a defense policy evolving from economic and military cooperation is acceptable under neo-functionalist integration theory. While there are numerous plans for how this policy might develop, the key to the entire issue is in the European Council of the European Communities Heads of State. Any progress made toward a European defense policy through arms procurement cooperation will almost certainly begin with the Council. (Author).