September 18, 2023 – September 19, 2023
The Russia-Ukraine war has catapulted discussions around European defence and strategic autonomy into the limelight. The conflict is now well into its second year, and the Ukrainian defence, sustained by European and American assistance, has raised many questions about the implications of the ‘return of war to Europe’. The renewed importance of NATO has brought into stark effect Europe’s continued and overwhelming dependence on the United States for its security. At the same time, multiple Western European leaders have mentioned strategic autonomy as an aspirational strategy for Europe. However, the continent and the European Union remain fractured on the matter. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with their proximity and heightened concerns regarding Russia, does not trust Western Europe to stand up to Russia and rejects the idea of strategic autonomy from the US. This webinar seeks to understand the various points of divergence between Western Europe and Central Europe defence challenges. It also seeks to generate better Indian appreciation of the European security discourse.
