Allies in Europe face uncertainties despite US funds

Significance

Russia's conflict in Ukraine along with an overall deterioration in the Western-Russian relationship has forced the United States to rethink its post-Cold War defence strategy for Europe. Having up until recently cut the size of its military presence on the continent, Washington is now bringing back both troops and military equipment at a considerable rate in order to reassure NATO allies while also attempting to deter further Russian military adventurism.

Impacts

• ERI funding enjoys strong bipartisan support and is unlikely to be subject to political meddling.
• Long-term US commitments to European defence are contingent on European willingness to increase military spending.
• Concerns about Russian military activity along NATO's eastern border decrease the likelihood of a Western anti-ISG intervention in Libya.