Amerikansk militærteknologi og forholdet til Europa

Abstract

The topic of this report is the impact of American superiority in military technology on transatlantic relations. First, the concept of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RAM) is discussed. Then the report outlines the power base of the USA. A historical perspective on the transatlantic relationship during four recent military conflicts is offered. The report analyzes which factor are important for understanding the relationship between the USA and her allies today, focusing on the impact of the current gap in military technology. Three different views on the role of military technology for transatlantic relations (Ole Wæwer, Julian Lindley-French and Kori Schake) are discussed. Finally, it is concluded that the changes in military technology has made the use of military power more feasible as a policy instrument in international relations. These wars tend to be constrained politically, challenging the transatlantic relationship by making allies less useful to the USA and challenging European perceptions of international norms. Peacekeeping and stabilizing operations are identified as the Achilles’ heel of American military power. Key to the nature of the future transatlantic relationship, it is argued, is the US political perception of allied contribution to stabilizing operations.