How credible is Europe's own ability to deter Russian aggression if US security guarantees are weakened? In this article, Lars Wedin, honorary member of KÖMS and member of KKrVA with responsibility for nuclear weapons issues in the SV-AR project, analyzes the possibilities for Europe to build an independent and credible deterrence and defense capability, with a particular focus on the capabilities and doctrines of the European nuclear powers.
Wedin discusses differences and similarities between American, British and French nuclear strategies, and problematizes the question of whether Paris and London would really be prepared to use nuclear weapons to defend Eastern Europe – without ruling out this possibility. The article also highlights the challenges that a weak conventional European defense poses to the threshold of nuclear use, and points to the need for rearmament and strategic adjustment at a time when the transatlantic link is under test.
Link:
TiS 223-242 2025, European Deterrence, L Wedin (1)