History As It Happens: Episode Summary - "Army of Europe"

Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Martin Di Caro

Introduction

In the episode titled "Army of Europe," host Martin Di Caro delves into the enduring and evolving concept of a unified European military force. The discussion intertwines historical perspectives with contemporary debates, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions involving Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Through interviews with esteemed historian Kevin Ruane and archival audio clips, the episode offers a comprehensive exploration of why the idea of an "Army of Europe" has persisted since the early Cold War era and why it remains both relevant and contentious today.

The Timeless Debate: European Military Unification

Martín Di Caro opens the episode by setting the stage for a discussion on the perennial idea of a European army. Referencing President Emmanuel Macron's recent speeches advocating for a true European military force, Di Caro highlights the resurgence of this concept amid contemporary security challenges. He notes Macron's stance that "Europe cannot be protected without a true European army" (Timestamp [00:37:00]).

Key Points:

• Historical attempts to create a European army, notably the European Defense Community (EDC) in the 1950s.
• Current proposals by European leaders to establish a joint intervention force or a truly unified European military.
• The complexities of sovereignty, strategic control, and integration with existing structures like NATO.

Historical Context: The European Defense Community (EDC)

Historian Kevin Ruane provides an in-depth analysis of the EDC, tracing its origins to the immediate post-World War II era. He explains how the devastation of Europe's military capabilities led to proposals for a unified defense mechanism to deter Soviet aggression.

Key Points:

• Formation and Purpose: The EDC was conceived as a supranational military force comprising six European nations—France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg—to ensure collective security under NATO's umbrella.

  "The principle of the European army is accepted by the United States." — Kevin Ruane ([10:02])

• Challenges and Obstacles: The plan faced significant resistance, particularly from France, which was wary of ceding sovereignty and preventing a resurgence of German militarism.

  "The French are anxious about German rearmament." — Kevin Ruane ([35:50])

• Treaty of Paris (1952): The EDC treaty was signed but ultimately failed to be ratified by France in 1954, leading to a crisis within NATO and the eventual establishment of the Western European Union (WEU) as an intergovernmental alternative.

• Legacy: The failure of the EDC underscored the enduring tension between national sovereignty and supranational military cooperation, a theme that persists in today's discussions.

Contemporary Relevance: Macron, NATO, and the Trump Administration

The episode draws parallels between the 1950s EDC debates and current initiatives led by figures like Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Zelenskyy, amidst shifting dynamics within NATO and changing U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.

Key Points:

• Macron's Advocacy: Macron argues that European reliance on NATO and the U.S. is insufficient in the face of modern threats from Russia, China, and shifting American priorities.

  "The armed forces of Europe must be created. An army of Europe." — Emmanuel Macron ([03:51])

• Trump's Impact on NATO: Former President Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with European countries' defense contributions, threatening reductions in military support unless European nations increase their defense spending.

  "If you don't pay, we're not going to protect you." — Donald Trump ([57:27])

• European Response: Faced with potential U.S. disengagement, European nations are considering greater military cooperation and increased defense budgets to assert greater autonomy in their security arrangements.

Analysis: Obstacles to a Unified European Army

Historian Kevin Ruane elaborates on the persistent barriers to establishing a European army, emphasizing issues of national sovereignty, differing threat perceptions, and institutional inertia.

Key Points:

• Sovereignty Concerns: Nations are reluctant to cede control over their military forces to a supranational entity, fearing loss of autonomy and the potential for conflicting national interests.

  "Who would control it? Who would decide its strategic purpose?" — Martin Di Caro ([02:45])

• Divergent Threat Perceptions: European countries often have varying assessments of threats, particularly between Western Europe and Eastern Europe, complicating unified defense strategies.

  "It's not clear any of the European states are going to send their sons and daughters into Ukraine to defend it." — Martin Di Caro ([13:27])

• Historical Lessons: The failure of the EDC serves as a cautionary tale about the difficulties of balancing national interests with collective security ambitions, a lesson relevant to current efforts.

Conclusion: The Future of European Defense

Martin Di Caro and Kevin Ruane conclude the episode by reflecting on the likelihood of establishing a unified European army in the near future. While acknowledging the pressing need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities, they express skepticism about replicating the EDC's supranational model given contemporary political landscapes and entrenched sovereignty concerns.

Key Points:

• Intergovernmental Cooperation vs. Supranational Integration: The likely path forward involves increased intergovernmental military cooperation within frameworks like the EU, rather than a fully unified European army.

  "What the present situation requires is not a long-drawn out replica EDC, it requires something else." — Kevin Ruane ([50:47])

• Role of NATO: NATO remains a central pillar of European security, with the United States' continued, albeit evolving, support being crucial amidst debates over European autonomy.

• Public and Political Will: Successful advancement towards a European army would necessitate broad public support and political consensus among member states, challenges that remain significant.

Notable Quotes

• Emmanuel Macron:

  "The armed forces of Europe must be created. An army of Europe." ([03:51])

• Kevin Ruane:

  "NSC 68 posits the Soviet threat predominantly as a military threat. It therefore posits the response of America and its allies. In a like sense, it's got to be a military response." ([28:21])

• Donald Trump:

  "If you don't pay, we're not going to protect you." ([57:27])

• Martin Di Caro:

  "It's hard to know. Donald Trump changes his mind every 60 seconds." ([18:53])

Final Thoughts

"Army of Europe" offers a nuanced examination of the complexities involved in forming a unified European military force. By juxtaposing historical attempts with current geopolitical shifts, the episode underscores the enduring challenges of balancing national sovereignty with collective security needs. As Europe continues to navigate its role on the global stage, the lessons from the past remain ever pertinent, informing present-day strategies and future aspirations.

For more insights and historical analyses, tune in to future episodes of "History As It Happens" every Tuesday and Friday.