U.S. Relations with Europe and NATO
Selected Research, Commentary and Testimony
Talk to the Taliban? Not Now — Nov. 11, 2008
As new U.S. Central Command chief Gen. David Petraeus got a firsthand look at the worsening security situation in Afghanistan last week, he heard from some U.S., British and Afghan officials that the best way forward is to engage in peace talks with the Taliban. Such talks have already even tentatively begun. This is a bad idea.
Commentary
International Affairs Research Area
Lessons from Six Decades of Research on Deterrence, From Cold War to Long War — Oct. 30, 2008
The United States' 2006 reversal of its 2002 proclamation that deterrence was irrelevant to most future national security strategies is bolstered by research which shows that deterrence will likely play an ongoing role in U.S. efforts to manage a variety of threats, including both near-peer competitors and terrorist organizations.
Full DocumentNational Security Research Area
Ukraine: The Next Crisis? — Sep. 7, 2008
The Russian invasion of Georgia has sent shock waves throughout the West and the former Soviet space - especially Ukraine. Indeed, Ukraine could be the next potential crisis, writes F. Stephen Larrabee.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
A 'Europe Whole and Free and at Peace' — Sep. 9, 2008
Events in Georgia, "half way around the world" as President Bush reminded us, can and will have broader repercussions, most particularly on Russia's relations with Europe and especially the United States, far beyond anything at stake in the Caucasus, writes Robert E. Hunter.
Commentary
Georgia: Breakdown of Vision the West Had for a New Europe — Aug. 28, 2008
Since the Russian Federation sent tanks, troops, and planes slicing into Georgia, commentators have reached for a variety of historic parallels.... None of these supposed parallels catches the current situation.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Kosovo and South Ossetia More Different Than Similar — Aug. 25, 2008
The Russian government has long highlighted the similarities between Kosovo and South Ossetia.... The two situations, however, while similar on some points, are fundamentally different where it matters: in their implications for the future of international relations, writes Olga Oliker.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Turkey's Second Chance — Aug. 24, 2008
The recent decision by the Turkish Constitutional Court not to close the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) helped Turkey - and especially Prime Minister Tayyip Recep Erdogan - narrowly dodge a dangerous political bullet.
CommentaryNational Security Research Area
UK's 30 Year Defense Plan to Acquire 50 Ships, Submarines May Overstretch Capacity — Jul. 21, 2008
To preserve its ability to design, build and support complex warships and submarines, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) asked RAND Europe for help with identifying labour implications for its shipbuilding programme. Research indicates that MOD will need to preserve and sustain several key technical skills, especially detailed designers and professional engineers for various stages of surface ship and submarine acquisition and support.
Full Document
Research Brief
How to Save Karzai — Jul. 15, 2008
The United States and other NATO countries should stop undermining Hamid Karzai now, shore up support for him as the democratically elected president of Afghanistan, and help him show progress, writes Seth G. Jones.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
The Rise of Political Islam in Turkey: The Nation’s Role in Western Security Efforts — Jun. 23, 2008
While Muslim-majority Turkey may be the linchpin to promoting liberal Islam worldwide, relationships between the nation’s secular government and religious forces have shifted in the past decade, with implications for the future of Islam in the region and the world.
Full DocumentNational Security Research Area
Russia's Soccer Diplomacy — May 29, 2008
Despite its authoritarian political system, Russia is in many ways increasingly open. Its people are part of a consumer society that models its consumption habits after Western Europe, says Lowell Schwartz.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Breaking the Failed-State Cycle — May 27, 2008
The predominant threat to U.S. security in the 21st century comes not from the actions of opposing countries but from the fallout of collapsing ones. The world’s leading states can and should help the citizens of failed states by integrating efforts to reduce violence, advance the economy, and reform government.
Full DocumentInternational Affairs Research Area
Afghanistan: From Chaos and Corruption to Sustainable Success — May 23, 2008
Since the 2002 U.S.-led attacks in Afghanistan, the country has
struggled to stabilize their government and society. RAND co-hosted a
conference attended by experts in academia, government and NGOs from
over 20 nations to discuss the need for a strategic approach to
Afghanistan's attempts at nation-building.
Full DocumentInternational Affairs Research Area
Afghan Progress Spotty but Hopeful — Apr. 29, 2008
As NATO's role in Afghanistan was debated in Bucharest recently, the bad headlines continued rolling in. And yet, on the ground, there is equally compelling evidence that the efforts of the international community are making a difference, write Obaid Younossi and Peter Dahl Thruelsen.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Turkey as a U.S. Security Partner — Apr. 10, 2008
Turkey has long been an important ally, but Ankara is increasingly behaving more independently and assertively in ways that must factor into future U.S. planning for the region.
Full DocumentNational Security Research Area
Georgia on Their Mind — Mar. 27, 2008
As NATO heads toward its summit meeting in Bucharest on April 3-4, the question of NATO enlargement — especially whether to give Membership Action Plans, or MAPs, to Georgia and Ukraine — has re-emerged as a contentious issue, writes F. Stephen Larrabee.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Developing U.S. Civilian Personnel Capabilities in State-Building Operations — Mar. 19, 2008
Recent U.S. experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq have shown that engaging in stability and reconstruction operations is a difficult and lengthy process that requires appropriate resources. A framework for improving U.S. civilian personnel and staffing programs for state-building efforts could help.
Full DocumentInternational Affairs Research Area
An Independent Kosovo Was a Part of the U.N.'s Plan — Feb. 25, 2008
Diplomatic wrangling over Kosovo’s declaration of independence this week has created a good deal of misunderstanding about the U.N. Security Council Resolution that defines that society’s current status and future evolution, writes James Dobbins.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Assessing the Impact of Nutrition Label Revisions in the EU — Feb. 7, 2008
The European Commission (EC) is currently considering a revision of its food nutrition labelling legislation. An assessment of the proposed policy alternatives addresses their potential economic, social and environmental impact.
Full DocumentHealth and Health Care Research Area
International Perspectives on Interagency Reform — Jan. 30, 2008
In testimony presented before the Armed Services Committee, Nora Bensahel discusses the lack of civilian capacity in stability and nation building operations, which has led to an overreliance on military forces.
Full DocumentInternational Affairs Research Area
Not That Bad a Legacy, After All — Jan. 17, 2008
George W. Bush may leave a positive foreign policy legacy after all. A year ago this would have seemed difficult to credit... [Y]et over this period, Bush has put in place a series of more pragmatic policies from which even a Democratic successor will have a hard time moving away, writes James Dobbins.
CommentaryInternational Affairs Research Area
Army Resource Gaps Can Be Filled by Building Partner Capabilities — Nov. 6, 2007
Ongoing operations and emerging mission requirements place a heavy burden on U.S. Army resources, resulting in capability gaps that the Army might fill by building appropriate capabilities in allies and partner armies through focused security cooperation.
Full DocumentNational Security Research Area
Rebuilding Arms Control — Aug. 10, 2007
The U.S. actions have now freed Russia to take unilateral steps of its own. Moreover, the American policy has given Russia a ready-made justification for abrogating agreements that it now finds onerous, following the precedent set by the United States, write F. Stephen Larrabee and David E. Mosher
Commentary
Blair's Project for a New Palestine — Jul. 07, 2007
[Tony] Blair has the thankless task of helping Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas build institutions for a viable state, following Hamas's military takeover of Gaza, writes Robert Hunter.
Commentary
In Ukraine, Four Steps to Democracy
— Jun. 28, 2007
The Ukrainian parliament has wound up its life and set the stage for early parliamentary elections on Sept. 30, four years ahead of schedule. The elections could give Ukraine's revolution — recently mired in crisis — new momentum and have an impact elsewhere in the post-Soviet space, write Taras Kuzio and F. Stephen Larrabee.
Commentary
A Comparative Evaluation of United Nations Peacekeeping — Jun. 25, 2007
James Dobbins discusses the performance of the United Nations in peacekeeping missions in testimony presented before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight.
Testimony
A War of Nerves in Turkey — May 12, 2007
Turkey is to become a mature, modern democracy, the military will need to accept a less intrusive role in Turkish politics. While a number of steps have been taken in this direction during the past several years, the current crisis underscores that Turkey still faces a long road before that goal is fully realize, writes F. Stephen Larrabee.
Commentary
Pro-American Yes, French Poodle No — May 07, 2007
Many in the United States will no doubt be pleased at Nicolas Sarkozy's victory in the French presidential election on Sunday. They should — but not because he is likely to be any more conciliatory toward the United States than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac, writes Christopher S. Chivvis.
Commentary
Afghanistan: Why Canada Should Stay — May 07, 2007
There is a growing movement in Canada to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, illustrated by such newspaper headlines as: "Is it time to go?" and "Canada must leave Afghanistan." Such a move would be a tragic mistake, writes Seth G. Jones.
Commentary
How Not to Promote American Missile Defense in Europe — Apr. 27, 2007
Missile defense has suddenly emerged as a divisive issue in Europe. Rather than enhancing European security, the Bush administration's plan to deploy elements of a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic threatens to increase strains with Russia and deepen divisions with America's European allies, write F. Stephen Larrabee and Andrzej Karkoszka.
Commentary
The Taliban Threat is Not Just America's Burden — Apr. 12, 2007
When President George W. Bush meets European Union leaders for the annual US-EU summit in Washington on April 30, Afghanistan will be high on the agenda. This offers the EU the chance to move beyond rhetoric and take action to show it can be a credible force in the world, writes Robert Hunter.
Commentary
Missile Defense: Avoiding a Crisis in Europe — Mar. 29, 2007
The United States and Russia appear headed for a new confrontation over American plans to deploy elements of an anti-ballistic missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, even though key questions about the need for the system remain unanswered, write F. Stephen Larrabee and David E. Mosher
Commentary
Flagging Ally: Pakistan's Lapses Are Hurting the War on Terror — Mar. 18, 2007
Vice President Dick Cheney's recent blunt warning to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to crack down on terrorism signals a growing consensus among U.S. policy-makers that Pakistan needs to do more to counter international terrorist groups operating on its soil. But there is still no consensus and few specifics on the most effective strategy, write Seth G. Jones and John Gordon IV.
Commentary
America's Turkey Problem — Feb. 23, 2007
As America struggles to stabilize Iraq while fighting rages, the last thing it needs is to become embroiled in a new crisis with Turkey. But that is where Washington appears headed if Congress passes a resolution accusing Turkey of committing genocide against Armenians from 1915 to 1918, write F. Stephen Larrabee and Suat Kiniklioglu.
Commentary
Europe's Afghan Test — Jan. 02, 2007
Within the limits of European politics and attitudes, allies can serve their own interests as well as America's by radically stepping up their collective commitment to Afghanistan. Here, there is no ambiguity and there should be no ambivalence, writes Robert Hunter.
Commentary
Afghanistan Needs Help — Dec. 19, 2006
The people of Afghanistan received good news recently when the leaders of the 26 nations in NATO issued a joint statement at their summit meeting that said: "Contributing to peace and stability in Afghanistan is NATO's key priority." Unfortunately, those words alone won't solve the myriad problems of Afghanistan. They must be followed by action, writes Obaid Younossi.
Commentary
The EU Should Put Up or Shut Up in Afghanistan — Nov. 18, 2006
Time is running out for success in Afghanistan. The NATO summit in Riga of November 28-29 may be the last chance to pull that country back from the brink. NATO assumed responsibility for providing security for all of Afghanistan in October. While about 8,000 of the 20,000 United States troops in Afghanistan operate independently, the rest have joined the most ambitious military venture in NATO's history, the International Security Assistance Force, writes Robert E. Hunter.
Commentary
Winning Back the Turks — Nov. 14, 2006
Once considered one of America's closest allies, Turkey today is engulfed by growing anti-Americanism. A recent survey by the German Marshall Fund found that only 7 percent of Turks polled approved of U.S. policies, while 81 percent disapproved. The poll found that 56 percent of the respondents thought that U.S. leadership was "very undesirable," writes F. Stephen Larrabee.
Commentary
Regulatory Reform on Both Sides of the Atlantic — Aug. 15, 2006
Global trade is increasingly connecting the world, bringing consumers lower prices and a wider selection of goods, and creating jobs. But when government regulations vary enormously from one nation to the next, they become roadblocks to the smooth flow of international commerce, and hurt both consumers and workers, writes John Graham.
Commentary
How Iraq's Neighbours Can Steer It Away From Destruction — Jun. 07, 2006
It is time to hold a peace conference on Iraq. Only a regional solution can end the continued fighting that threatens to spill over into neighbouring states, writes David Aaron.
Commentary
Nation-Building Efforts Hampered By Failures to Address Health Problems — Apr. 19, 2006
The United States missed opportunities to help win the support of the public in Iraq and Afghanistan by failing to make health a bigger focus of reconstruction efforts after U.S.-led invasions of the nations.
Full DocumentNews Release
Ukraine's New Politics — Apr. 8, 2006
The recent parliamentary elections in Ukraine were a wake-up call, not just for President Viktor Yushchenko, but also for the European Union and the United States. Voters handed Yushchenko's pro-Western Our Ukraine Party a humiliating defeat that was a resounding rejection of his weak leadership and inability to implement a coherent reform program for Ukraine, write F. Stephen Larrabee and Taras Kuzio.
Commentary
Making Europe a Home Fit for the Next Einstein — Feb. 22, 2006
[A]ccording to a 2005 academic ranking of the world's 20 top universities, 17 are in the US, two in Europe and one in Japan... This brain drain is causing serious concern in Europe and is one of the factors in a predicted shortage of 500,000 engineers and scientists within 10 years, write Erik Frinking and Titus Galama.
Commentary
Amateur Hour in Iraq — Feb. 10, 2006
The American occupation of Iraq was marked by what can only be called heroic amateurism. Although the intervention was in fact the sixth American led nation building operation in little more than a decade, the Bush administration failed to apply most of the lessons learned so painfully in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan, writes James Dobbins.
Commentary
Let's Avoid Another Trans-Atlantic Feud — Jan. 13, 2006
The European Union's recent launch of the first of 30 satellites in its multibillion-dollar Galileo global navigation system was hailed across the Continent as a giant step in breaking the U.S monopoly of space-based networks. But China's participation in the project raises important security issues that need to be addressed to prevent a new feud between America and Europe, write Seth G. Jones and F. Stephen Larrabee.
Commentary
The Challenge of Ukraine's European Integration — Dec. 13, 2005
Almost a year after Viktor Yushchenko became president of Ukraine last January - following his election as a pro-reform, pro-Western candidate - the nation faces tough new challenges as it moves closer to its goal of integrating into the Euro-Atlantic community, write Taras Kuzio and Jennifer Moroney.
Commentary
NATO's Role in Nation-building — Dec. 8, 2005
Nation-building has been a growth industry since the end of the Cold War. The United Nations, NATO, the United States and more recently the European Union have all become engaged in missions that employ armed force in post-conflict environments with the objective of supporting a political transformation, that is to say democratisation. Not every recent military expedition fits this description, but nation-building, peace-building or stabilisation operations, depending on one's preferred terminology, have become the dominant paradigm for the use of armed force in the post-Cold War world, writes James Dobbins.
Commentary
Assimilating Immigrants in France — Nov. 14, 2005
France's stringent policies on assimilation have led to predictable failures with the new wave of Muslim immigrants from North Africa, as witnessed in the recent riots. A comparison with U.S. immigration history and policies suggest avenues for improvement.
Full DocumentRelated Commentary
NATO Peacekeepers Need a Partner — Sep. 30, 2005
With its recent elections, Afghanistan has come to the end of the road laid out for it at the 2001 Bonn Conference. The country will now have a popularly elected president and Parliament. It remains, however, desperately poor, dependent on illegal drug production and challenged by a fundamentalist insurgency operating out of sanctuaries in Pakistan. The country needs a new road map, and continued international support, as it embarks upon the next stage of its journey, writes James Dobbins.
Commentary
Why America Shouldn't Sever Uzbekistan Ties — Sep. 6, 2005
Uzbekistan's decision to end U.S. access to an air base in the Central Asian country might appear to end a marriage of convenience born of 9/11. But cutting all ties between the two nations would be a mistake, writes Olga Oliker.
Commentary
A Tool for Democracy Could Use Some Help — Aug. 10, 2005
Five years ago a new group of nations was created: the Community of Democracies. Popularly known as the CD, it was a response to the fact that for the first time in history, most countries have some form of representative government. Meanwhile, others are struggling to establish democratic government or simply are not trying, writes Robert E Hunter.
Commentary
America Is Punishing Germany for Its Iraq Opposition — Jul. 12, 2005
The granting of permanent Security Council seats to either [Germany or Japan], still identified in the UN Charter as “enemy states”, should be determined by three questions. Have they fully overcome the legacy of their responsibility for the second world war? Are they willing and able to undertake the responsibilities of permanent membership? Are future governments in Tokyo and Berlin likely to work co-operatively with Washington?, writes James Dobbins.
Commentary
A Good Time to Bridge the Atlantic Gap — Jun. 20, 2005
The first major meeting of transatlantic leaders since French and Dutch voters rejected the European Union constitutional treaty takes place today in Washington. The annual U.S.-EU summit, between President George W. Bush and leaders of the EU Council and Commission, is set to be the usual routine of economic business. If only it could become the next great leap in building transatlantic relations, writes Robert Hunter.
Commentary
Majority Rule That Respects Minorities — Jun. 11, 2005
The United States has fixed upon a timetable and process to determine the final status of Kosovo. Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns announced May 19 that negotiations to this end should take place this year, that they should be led by a senior European figure assisted by a senior American, and will include the elected representatives of the population of Kosovo and the government of Serbia. Burns also said the talks should be guided by certain principles, to include the preservation of Kosovo's present borders and multi-ethnic character, writes James Dobbins.
Commentary
What's next for EU… and U.S.? — Jun. 5, 2005
In a Washington Times commentary, Robert E. Hunter discusses the reasons that France and the Netherlands rejected the EU constitution, and suggests next steps for European and trans-Atlantic cooperation.
Commentary at washingtontimes.com
How to Help Yushchenko — May 6, 2005
The months leading up to the 2006 parliamentary election in Ukraine give the United States the opportunity to pave the way for better relations and integrate Ukraine into the community of democratic market-oriented nations. Based on the substantial popularity of President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, the Yushchenko camp seems likely to control two-thirds of Parliament after the election next March. So building stronger ties with the Yushchenko government in the months ahead could lead to even greater improvements in U.S.-Ukrainian relations next year, write Jennifer Moroney and Taras Kuzio.
Commentary
The Challenge for NATO's Chairman — Mar. 10, 2005
It's no secret that the Bush administration and the Canadian government do not always see eye to eye on foreign and defense policy. Canada was probably not regarded by US neo-cons as important enough to be put on the list of an allied “axis of appeasers” (such as France and Germany) for opposing the invasion of Iraq. And, while Ottawa has rated a brief US presidential visit since then, it has not been at the center of President George W. Bush's recent wooing of NATO allies, writes Robert Hunter.
Commentary
Heading Off European Arms to China — Mar. 2, 2005
On a trip to mend fences with Europe, President Bush highlighted U.S.-European friction when he said at a news conference Feb. 22 in Brussels that there was “deep concern” in the United States about the European Union's plans to lift its arms embargo against China. While the EU's plans have not attracted widespread attention in the United States, the issue has enormous consequences for the future of transatlantic relations, write Evan S. Medeiros and Seth G. Jones.
Commentary
Beyond Cowboy Diplomacy — Feb. 21, 2005
By the time President Bush is finished taking Europe by storm beginning yesterday, U.S.-European relations will be fundamentally different. Or will they?, writes Robert E. Hunter.
Commentary
Engaging Russia as Partner and Participant: The Next Stage of NATO-Russia Relations — Jan. 4, 2005
Relations between the Russian Federation and the West have evolved steadily since the end of the Cold War. In late 2001, RAND and the Moscow-based Institute for the USA and Canada Studies created a working group that examined ways to increase cooperation between NATO and Russia. The group concluded that Russia should become more deeply involved, as an equal partner, in NATO deliberations, including in regard to the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The goal is to share responsibilities and build security across Eurasia.
Conference Proceedings
The Next President and NATO — Oct. 26, 2004
The next president of the United States — whether George Bush or John Kerry — will almost surely press the European allies in 2005 to provide greater help in meeting the triple challenges of Iraq, Afghanistan and the war on terrorism. In particular, whoever is president will turn to the NATO alliance for help. But will NATO be “ready and able” to do so, even if its member states are “willing?”,
writes Robert E. Hunter.
Commentary
Improving America’s Image Abroad — Oct. 7, 2004
America has a global image problem. A new RAND report explores foreign perceptions of the United States and what U.S. policymakers can do to improve public diplomacy efforts.
Full Document
International Affairs Research Area
US Troop Withdrawals Costly to Alliances
— Aug. 24, 2004
President Bush's decision to reduce US forces abroad by up to 70,000 troops
over the next decade has attracted more attention than it merits in purely military terms.
But the fact of his announcement, at this particular time, has given it added significance,
writes Robert E. Hunter.
Commentary
Lessons Learned from U.S. Operations with NATO Allies
In recent years, the United States has partnered with NATO allies in a large number of
air operations, ranging from humanitarian relief and peacekeeping missions to major theater war. Interoperability—the ability of military forces from different countries to work effectively together—poses an ongoing challenge. A long-term approach is needed
to prevent the most common interoperability problems from occurring in the future.
Research Brief (March, 2004)
NATO's Eastern Agenda in a New Strategic Era
NATO's Eastern agenda faces several challenges, including consolidating the democratic transitions in Central and Eastern Europe, ensuring the security of the Baltic states, developing a post-NATO-enlargement strategy for Ukraine, deepening the Russia-NATO partnership, and engaging the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Full Document
Research Brief (January, 2004)
Counterterror Coalitions: Strategies for U.S. Cooperation with Europe and NATO
For a successful counterterror campaign, the U.S. should pursue distinctly different strategies when dealing with Europe and NATO—one for military and intelligence, another for financial and law enforcement.
Full Document
Research Brief (2003)
The Impact of NATO Membership in the Czech Republic
Describes problems in the Czech Republic's first two years of membership in NATO, providing lessons for the next round of enlargement.
Research Summary (2002)
Disjointed War: Military Operations in Kosovo
Examines 1999's Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, the first offensive military operation in the history of NATO and recommends improvements for areas in which Joint military operations were deficient. A summary article is also available.
Full Document (2002)
NATO and Russia: Bridge-Building for the 21st Century
Suggests that the new NATO-Russia Council should pursue a practical agenda of common tasks in Europe and beyond.
Full Document (2002)
Future of NATO and Enlargement
In testimony before the Subcommittee on Europe of the House International Relations Committee, Thomas Szayna looks at the military implications of enlarging NATO and how the upcoming round of enlargement should work.
Congressional Testimony (2002)
Persian Gulf Security: Improving Allied Military Contributions
Addresses several key questions concerning the need of the United States and its European allies to forge a broader and more equal U.S.-European strategic partnership.
Full Document (2001)
NATO Enlargement, 2000-2015: Determinants and Implications for Defense Planning and Shaping
Looks at each potential member state and its readiness to join NATO.
Full Document (2001)
European Contributions to Operation Allied Force: Implications for Transatlantic Cooperation
Argues that, while representing a successful cooperative allied military action for NATO, Operation Allied Force in Kosovo also suggests limits to U.S.-European military cooperation.
Full Document (2001)
Turkey, Greece, and the U.S. in a Changing Strategic Environment
Testimony before the House International Relations Committee, Subcommittee on Europe, which finds that Washington is in a position to consolidate positive changes in the region and to strengthen its relationships with Ankara and Athens in ways that support key objectives in the Balkans, Eurasia, and the Middle East, and also within NATO.
Congressional Testimony (2001)
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