Evolution Instead of Revolution - Integrating Europe's Armed Forces

In the English edition of Internationale Politik, Johannes Varwick of the University of Kiel calls for integration of EU member states’ armed forces. While this will not be accomplished in the near future, it is important to move in the direction of a common defense force. Such common initiatives — like the Euro, which took 32 years to materialize — are difficult, but worthwhile. Potential initial steps could be combined troop training, codified European rules of engagement, and the founding of a European military academy. In contrast, the European Security and Defense Policy might not be the right move, since it could initiate friction with NATO or the US.