European nuclear deterrence : an unattainable quest

Abstract

The present analysis aimed to assess the conceptual divergences based on a) historical experiences, b) political settings, c) popular perceptions, and d) strategic contemplations that inhibit the creation of a common European nuclear deterrent. The study was performed as to assess the qualitative characteristics of both the historic as well as the contemporary dimensions which have shaped the concept of both defence in Europe in general as well as the notion of nuclear deterrence in particular. The analysis is largely based on literature review which encompassed both the print media as well as online content with special consideration of the dissimilar cultural aspects which shape both the public as well as the political perception of nuclear deterrence in Europe. Three member countries of the European Union are assessed in this study. The French Republic and the United Kingdom were selected as objectives of this study, as the nuclear arsenals of both nations constitute the only European nuclear deterrent. Germany is included in this study as her fate largely shaped not only the development of the European Union, but furthermore greatly influenced World History in the twentieth century and is likely to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. The analysis reveals that the concept of a European nuclear deterrent, albeit Europe’s technological and financial potential, is to remain an unattainable quest as for the EU’s member countries divergent characteristics and diverse conceptual understandings of defence in general and the implications of nuclear weaponry in particular.