The Transformation of Europe's Armed Forces - From the Rhine to Afghanistan

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 is a groundbreaking study of the military dimensions of European integration, which have been largely ignored until now. The book will appeal to scholars across the social sciences interested in the progress of the European project, and the nature of the military today. • Explores the often overlooked aspects of the armed forces themselves, their military headquarters and brigades • Links to wider debates about European integration, providing a novel conceptual framework for understanding contemporary operations, especially in Afghanistan • Draws on fieldwork and interviews with numerous personnel, including senior military officers

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Reviews:

'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 'Broad in scope and meticulous in its scholarship, this important study offers an expert and incisive analysis of military thought and practice in twenty first century Europe. The Transformation of Europe's Armed Forces should be read by all those with an interest in British and European defence policy and in the evolving relationship between armed forces and liberal democratic society.' Paul Cornish, Chatham House 'Anthony King has blended sociological, strategic and military perspectives to produce a timely and illuminating analysis of the transformation of Europe's armed forces. Military 'transnationalisation' is discussed against the background of the different strategic positions of leading European military powers; the potential outcomes of the war in Afghanistan are used to assess whether transnationalisation will occur in a re-invigorated or weaker NATO. This innovative book will appeal to a wide audience and to anyone interested in the future of European military institutions.' Christopher Dandeker, King's College London

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.