Even in a Europe-focused Nato 3.0, Washington would still want to call the shots. We need an insurance policy
How can Europe defend itself against Russia without the US, or with much less of it? This question sums up the existential challenge now facing the continent.
Russia’s imperial ambitions start with Ukraine, but they don’t end there. Moscow’s hybrid attacks, its political interference in support of Russia-friendly parties and its military sabre-rattling – including a warship’s live-fire exercise 45 miles off the UK coast – all point in the same direction. A kinetic war to defend ourselves against Russia in the coming months or years cannot be ruled out. This is why European defence budgets are rising across Europe, especially in countries closer to the frontline.
Nathalie Tocci is a Guardian Europe columnist
