can European countries come up with a single collective defense policy,if not why?

Question

my line of thinking is why cant europe adopt a collective defense strategy minus the americans

Answer 1

There is a danger in doing too much "grouping" together - as for the policy to mean anything, it would presumably be an allying of forces in times of need - it can be what turns a war between two nations into a world war.

I suspect in the fullness of time, if there is another World war it will either be between America and China OR America and Europe.

In either case it would be a very grim outcome for both sides involved. Not least because all players have access to easy deployment of nuclear devices.

Ignoring the points above, Europe has massive differences on opinion - it can take months to decided on the name of a new currency which SOME members subscribe to. How could it be expected to get ratified agreements from all involved with regard to a defense policy.

Again, unless the agreement is a useless bit of paper that sits in a drawer, then presumably it has some fairly significant implications for countries that have little or no effective defence infrastructure - when teamed up with countries - like the UK - which have some fairly substantial nuclear reservers - and intelligent missile systems.

Does everyone "chip in" and become joint owners of the weapons - or does the UK pay all the bills - and everyone else benefits (which is how most things which the UK are involved
in seem to pan out).

The UK might also be less than happy about walking away from the USA - though admittedly, it would certainly be a lot cheaper for the UK if it didn't have to keep pitching in to fight wars that other countries start.

I guess the answer to this might depend a little on QUITE what you mean by a "single collective defense policy" ?

Mark

Answer 2

Defence against whom?
To defend the line of the Vistula against Johnny Russ?
Europe has half the population of USA but has armed forces that are a joke apart from UK's.
When did France last win a war? Or even fight? (Some silly mid-African country, I believe).

Answer 3

Why should we, we appreciate all the help they have given us in the past and they are part of NATO.

Or do you think all the countries that have joined the west (old Communist Pact countries) will be able to replace the Americans?

America is currently helping to supply and retrain these countries to fight in the western mode.

Answer 4

because they all have there own national interest as a prime concern. Poland's national interests are not the same as Italy's and they don't put a lot of importance on Italy's national interests. no matter what they come up with it will be a compromise agreement that will in the end fail for that very reason.

Answer 5

everywhere in Europe has crime. it easily relies upon on the place you walk. identity say the main threatening place ive been to is belgrade or Moscow. Germany and my u . s . Spain are very risk-free. England is exceptionally risk-free. in simple terms stay removed from components the place you do no longer see alot of human beings. additionally becareful the variety you gown. confirm you have some form of sense of style. Please dont be loud and atleast attempt to communicate out language. whilst you're making an attempt we are able to gladly talk english decrease back to you. Its a appreciate factor.