The transatlantic relationship is undergoing its greatest transformation in decades. As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues and the United States increasingly questions its traditional role as Europe’s security guarantor, the question facing Europe is becoming unavoidable: who will defend Europe?
In this episode, Anna Rennéus Guthrie speaks with Dr Jana Puglierin, Senior Policy Fellow and Head of the Berlin Office at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). She is also the author of the new book Who Will Defend Europe?.
They discuss the future of European security, Germany’s changing role, differing perceptions of Russia across Europe, and why the debate on European defence is often caught between two uncomfortable truths: Europe cannot currently defend itself without the United States – but Europe can no longer assume that the United States will always be there.
The conversation also explores what capabilities Europe needs to build, how European countries can strengthen NATO while taking greater responsibility for their own security, and why European unity will be decisive in ensuring that Europe can defend itself in the years ahead.
Listen to the episode here.