VS151 EUROPEAN POLITICS AND SECURITY: Who is responsible for the defense of Europe?

A series of sessions will focus on the problems of European security. Is Europe now independent or is it still a dependent of the United States? How will it manage without the US? Topics include NATO, the European Union, American foreign policy and European politics. Suggested readings are available for those who are interested in studying the issues in greater depth.

Session I European Security: Who is responsible for the defense of Europe?

What is NATO’s raison d’être? What is Article V? Is Europe an ally or a protectorate? Can Europeans defend themselves? Does the US need allies in Europe? Is NATO an asset or a liability? European vs American approaches to world order, terrorism, international law, globalization, nuclear proliferation. Can Europe deter Russia without the US nuclear umbrella? Can France provide such an umbrella? Direct vs extended deterrence. What is a strong Europe without a strong Germany? What is a strong Germany without nuclear weapons?

Mark SHEETZ is a member of WICE who lives in Paris. He taught international politics for over twenty-five years, including courses in International Politics, European Security, American foreign policy and US-European relations. Prof. Sheetz received his Ph.D in political science from Columbia University, M.A. in international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and A.B. in government from Dartmouth College. Prof. Sheetz was a Fulbright Scholar and Chair of Security Studies at the College of Europe. His scholarly articles have appeared in journals such as International Security, Security Studies, Foreign Policy, Economic Diplomacy, and the Journal of Cold War Studies.