Europe says it must rearm – but to what end?

AI Summary

A new consensus is emerging among European leaders in Paris, London, and Berlin that Europe must significantly increase its defense capabilities amid ongoing war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East. French President Macron has announced plans to expand France's nuclear arsenal and adopt a 'forward deterrence' strategy, while British and German defense chiefs have jointly called for a major military buildup. The debate centers not just on how to rearm, but on what strategic purpose the rearmament should serve.

With the Middle East ablaze and war in Ukraine showing no sign of respite, a stark new consensus is hardening in Paris, London and Berlin that Europe must rearm. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron signalled a pivotal shift in deterrence by announcing an increase in the nation’s nuclear warheads and a “forward deterrence” plan. This follows a rare joint appeal from the British and German defence chiefs, who urged Europeans to build a moral and strategic case for a massive surge in...