Some thoughts on future European security

Examines developments affecting European security and discusses possible enhancements to security in spite of resource limitations. Europeans are concerned over a perceived U.S. lack of an integrated world view toward Soviet policies, both in and outside of Europe. Challenges to European security include: the Soviet arms buildup, lack of progress toward coordinated monetary and trade policies, and political instability and a growing popular affinity for nonalignment in the Mediterranean countries. Efforts to maintain social cohesion and civilian morale are as vital to European security as guns and missiles. In discussing the choices and resources for military security the author cautions against expectations of a manpower/technology tradeoff; any savings realized could be marginal and manpower involvement may be vital for political cohesion and strategic flexibility. The paper concludes by advocating a centralized NATO logistics system responsive to emergency resupply needs of defending forces irrespective of national identify, and a more rational use of West German territorial defense capabilities for a flexible defense in depth.