IFS Insights: The global pandemic, transatlantic security, and national defence
Views from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway
TAKEAWAYS
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The pandemic and the colossal societal ramifications it has caused so far, illustrate that a broadening of our definition of security beyond military threats, is overdue.
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Resilience should be included as an important element of national security.
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Immediate defence budget reductions are insignificant, but the long-term prospect suggests a downward trend.
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There is a danger that governments undertaking strategic reviews focus too narrowly on pandemics and under-appreciate the more traditional risks.
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The crisis is likely to amplify great power rivalry and pressure on the multilateral system. The erosion of transatlantic relations is part of this problem.
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In the face of new stressors, NATO needs financial and political investment.
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NATO should accelerate its work on communication and critical infrastructure standards.
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The United States and EU should improve coordination and align standards and acquisition rules.
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NATO-EU cooperation on assessing and remedying vulnerabilities is essential in preparing for the next strategic surprise.
The IFS Insight is published as a part of the IFS-led research programme Security in Northern Europe (SNE)
About the authors
Rachel Ellehuus is a Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining CSIS, she was the Principal Director for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defence in the Pentagon.
Paul O’Neill is a Senior Research Fellow in Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute. He has worked on the UK’s Strategic Defence and Security Reviews in 2010 and 2015. His research interests cover defence strategy, NATO, military doctrine and organisational aspects of Defence.
Sophia Becker is a research fellow for US security and defence policy with DGAP’s Security and Defence Program. Her research focuses on US security and defence policy, transatlantic security cooperation and transatlantic relations.
Dr. Christian Mölling is the research director of DGAP. He also heads the Security and Defence Program. His research focuses on security and defence policy, military capabilities and defence industry.
Torben Schütz is a research fellow for armament policy in DGAP’s Security and Defence Program. His work focuses on military capabilities, primarily in Europe; military technology and innovation; and defence industrial matters.
