In a curent situation of economic austerity and postmodern political values, this book considers whether Europe can play a key role in regional and global security and defence. -- from the back cover.

Introduction: will Europe lead in NATO? / J.H. Matlary and M. Petersson -- Determinants of the use of force -- From Mars to Venus? European use of force in a historical perspective / M. Petersson -- A farewell to arms: Europe's meritocracy and the demilitarization of Europe / C. Coker -- Towards an affordable European defence and security policy? The case for extensive European force integration / S. Diesen -- Strategy, risk and threat perceptions in NATO / Ø. Østerud and A. Toje -- Application: case studies -- No more free-riding: the political economy of military power and the transatlantic relationship / S. Kay -- Between theory and practice: Britain and the use of force / P. Porter -- France: the state with strategic vision / Y. Boyer -- The reluctant ally? Germany, NATO, and the use of force / B. Schreer -- Willing and able? Spanish statecraft as brokerage / D. Coletta and D. Garcia -- Poland's participation in NATO operations / M. Pietras -- Hungary in NATO: the case of a half empty glass / T. Magyarics -- Punching above its weight: Denmark's legitimate peripheral participation in NATO's wars / M.V. Rasmussen -- Norway: militarily able but politically divided / J.H. Matlary.