Forum: European Nuclear Deterrence and Donald Trump

Despite Donald Trump's return, complete US disengagement from Europe is not inevitable. America will continue to have strategic interests in Europe. Building a separate European nuclear deterrent is not yet necessary. But it is clear that the Trump administration will devalue transatlantic relations and turn its strategic attention to the Indo-Pacific. Dutch, Nordic and Polish analysts agree with their British, French and German colleagues that firming up European nuclear and conventional deterrence, in particular vis-a-vis Russia, calls for better coordination between Berlin, London and Paris, and deeper and more systematic consultation with other capitals. Europe needs to invest in conventional deterrence assets and increase nuclear arsenals. France and Britain could share more information about their nuclear capabilities and plans with their European allies, and Paris should drop its aversion to participating in NATO's internal nuclear deliberations and join the Nuclear Planning Group. Joint exercises could be enhanced. Europe also needs a long-term political strategy for stabilising its relationship with Russia.