With Brexit, Europe is on an unusual trajectory. Changes in global geopolitics have led countries to move toward "regional blocs" of cooperation, while in North America and Asia, geopolitical blocs centered on the United States and China have been formed, respectively. However, Europe seems to have its own plans.
Over the past few years, the United Kingdom has chosen to leave the European Union and began to move closer to the United States, a move that has caused significant losses to the European Union. However, in the current world situation, Europe is no longer willing to take its destiny entirely into someone else's hands. German Defense Minister Karrenbauer announced in a recent statement that Europe needs to create a strong autonomous army - the "European Rapid Reaction Force".
This proposal is not new, as it was proposed by several European countries back in 2018. However, due to Brexit and the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, this plan was postponed. Now, Germany has once again put forward plans to form a "European Rapid Reaction Force", which has attracted international attention.
Karrenbauer stressed that this army will be a joint effort of EU countries and aims to match the vast majority of the world's military forces. Behind this plan is an observation of the decline of the United States and concerns about the divergence of the United States from Europe. Europe no longer seems willing to rely on US military support, especially given the US's commitment to the principle of "America First."
Although the desire of European countries to build such an army is strong, how to organize and command this army is still a huge challenge. This army must ensure that it obeys the commands of EU countries and guarantees their security interests.
It is worth noting that France has become a key promoter of this plan. France has taken a positive stance in the face of the "trilateral security alliance" of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, but the movements in this alliance have made France unhappy. Especially after Australia's unilateral default, France has developed negative feelings towards this alliance, and even recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia.
Under the leadership of France** Macron, France seems ready to provoke the "beam" of European defense. Germany's Karrenbauer's statement can be regarded as support for France and his approval of the "European Rapid Reaction Force" plan.
At the dinner between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, the two discussed European defense affairs and plans for international strategic autonomy. This shows that France and Germany are joining forces to play an increasingly important role in international affairs.
Despite the challenges of this plan, including differences among member states and the allocation of resources, Europe seems ready to move away from relying on forces from other regions to protect itself. Europe's military movements will become a key variable in the evolution of the international landscape in the future.
The recent turbulent international political situation in Europe has attracted widespread attention, especially the plan proposed by German Defense Minister Karrenbauer to establish a "European Rapid Reaction Force", which has become the focus of attention. Behind this plan is not only Europe's concern for its own security, but also reveals some deep-seated changes in international relations.
First of all, Karrenbauer's proposal shows Europe's dissatisfaction with the US-led NATO. Britain's Brexit and the growing U.S. alienation from Europe have led European countries to rethink whether the security guarantees that they relied on in the U.S. are still reliable. Against this backdrop, the creation of an autonomous European army became a strategic option to deal with risks. It also underscores Europe's desire for greater autonomy in international affairs, moving away from being entirely dependent on transatlantic allies.
Second, France has played an active role in this plan, especially after the "trilateral security alliance" of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia dealt a blow to France, and France has increasingly emphasized Europe's own defense capabilities. Macron**'s statement and the recall of ambassadors to the United States and Australia demonstrate France's insistence on independent decision-making. France seems to be aware that relying solely on traditional allies may not be enough to safeguard the country's core interests in international affairs, so it is looking for a more flexible and autonomous diplomatic strategy.
However, this plan faces a number of challenges. First of all, there are different national interests and security perceptions among member states, and how to form a unified military with unified command in such a pluralistic system will be a huge challenge. Second, the issue of resource allocation may become a bottleneck for Europe's autonomous armies, and differences in defense budgets and equipment between different countries may restrict the improvement of overall strength.
At the international level, the United States is likely to react negatively to this plan. The United States has always been the dominant force in NATO, and Europe's attempts to build up its own military power may cause discontent in the United States. In addition, the emergence of autonomous armies in Europe could also lead to a reshuffling of international relations, affecting the global geopolitical landscape.
In general, Karrenbauer's plan for the "European Rapid Reaction Force" has aroused widespread concern in the international community and reflects Europe's new thinking and adjustment to its own security. The implementation of such a plan will not only have far-reaching consequences for Europe itself, but may also change the balance of power in international relations and bring more uncertainty to the future.
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