The Transformation of Europe's Armed Forces: From the Rhine to Afghanistan
Cambridge University Press, 1/13/2011
EAN 9780521760942, ISBN10: 0521760941
Hardcover, 326 pages, 23.1 x 15.4 x 3 cm
Language: English
As a result of new strategic threats, Europe's land forces are currently undergoing a historic transformation which may reflect wider processes of European integration. Europe's mass, mainly conscript armies are being replaced by smaller, more capable, professionalised militaries concentrated into new operational headquarters and rapid reaction brigades, able to plan, command, and execute global military interventions. At the same time, these headquarters and brigades are co-operating with each other across national borders at a level which would have been inconceivable in the twentieth century. As a result, a transnational military network is appearing in Europe, the forces in which are converging on common forms of military expertise. This book is a groundbreaking study of the military dimensions of European integration, which have been largely ignored until now. It will appeal to scholars across the social sciences interested in the progress of the European project, and the nature of the military today.
Preface
Part I. Strategic Context
1. Towards a sociology of military transformation
2. Europe's new military
3. The capacity for autonomous action?
Part II. Operational Transformation
4. The operational network
5. The operational renaissance
6. Operational art
Part III. Tactical Transformation
7. The empowered brigade
8. Elitism
9. Cohesion
10. Co-ordination
11. The future of Europe's armed forces.
'At a time when European armed forces are fighting a war in Afghanistan, this is a timely study of their post Cold War transformation. Stimulating without being critically contentious and systematic without being dull - clarity of argument gives the book its definitive scope.' Christopher Coker, London School of Economics and Political Science