DEBATING EUROPE’S DEFENCE

Thema

Following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, a „Zeitenwende“ occurred not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. Despite their different priorities and starting points, all European countries have initiated reforms to their security policies. Given the growing estrangement from the US under the Trump administration, there is now much talk of the need for a ‚Zeitenwende 2.0‘. The argument is that the era of the US as the essential guarantor of security is coming to an end after 80 years, and Europe must be urgently put in a position to defend itself alone.

European defence faces many challenges. These range from a lack of critical military technologies to insufficient standardization, from deficient cooperation between defence industries to limited military manpower. However, even more important than these material challenges are the structure and dynamics of the social discourse on defence, both at the national level as well as between European societies. It is this discourse that is crucial for initiating and shaping defence policy reforms, as well as for their prospects of success – or their potential failure.

The goal of this conference, titeld “Europe’s Defence in Debate” is to assess the Europe-wide social discourse on defence policy issues, both within and between societies, at particularly contentious points. By bringing together scientists, think tankers, practitioners, and journalist from across Europe, the conference will explore the dynamics of integration and the stumbling blocks to closer European cooperation.

This event follows the Chatham House Rule. The working language of the seminar is English.