RAND Corporation Study Examines European Responses to Potential U.S. Military Withdrawal
A study published by the RAND Corporation on October 28 examines how France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom are preparing for a potential reduction in U.S. military engagement and a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Europe. The study indicates that even governments deeply committed to the transatlantic relationship now view a U.S. conventional force withdrawal as inevitable. These nations are reportedly focusing less on preventing the withdrawal and more on slowing its implementation. They continue to emphasize Washington's indispensable role in their security and, in some instances, have offered to fund the continued presence of U.S. troops. The RAND report distinguishes between a coordinated, orderly U.S. withdrawal, which allies believe they can manage, and a rapid, uncoordinated withdrawal, which they fear would create significant capability gaps and potentially encourage Russian aggression against a NATO member state. Negotiations with Washington are therefore aimed at securing sufficient time f...
