Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / NATO / Want Europe to defend itself? Give it something specific to do
NATO, Alliances and commitments

October 18, 2024

Want Europe to defend itself? Give it something specific to do

By Mike Sweeney

With NATO’s recent anniversary celebration behind it, the Alliance can look forward to another milestone at the end of next year.  December 2025 will mark 75 years since the creation of the position of Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, or SACEUR.  The first man to hold the job—General Dwight D. Eisenhower—brought the prestige of his World War II service to the position, as well as his trademark pragmatism.  Eisenhower helped establish NATO’s military structures and outlined how the alliance would defend itself in practice.  Those past plans may provide important guideposts for NATO as it looks ahead.

Read at Wavell Room

Author

Mike
Sweeney

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

Op-edRussia, Europe and Eurasia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Trump’s sanctions waiver is about America, not Russia

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 18, 2026

Op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia

A long-term plan to secure peace for Ukraine

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 12, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia

Zelenskyy risks rupture with Trump as midterms pressure mounts

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

October 12, 2026

Op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, NATO

An EU-style Article 4 mechanism would be insignificant

By Daniel DePetris

September 30, 2026

Op-edNATO, Europe and Eurasia

What really matters when Burnham meets Trump

By Daniel DePetris

September 22, 2026

Op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Vladimir Putin’s extension of the war beyond Ukraine has European leaders worried

By Daniel DePetris

September 22, 2026

Events on NATO

See All Events
virtualNATO, Alliances and commitments, Burden sharing, Europe and Eurasia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Will it usher in burden shifting?

February 9, 2026
virtualNATO, Alliances and commitments, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances and commitments, Deterrence, Europe and Eurasia, Nuclear weapons

New York for Paris? NATO and extended deterrence in a new nuclear age

July 2, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

Defense Priorities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by donations from individuals and foundations—no funding comes from the U.S. government or any foreign government. Donations are unlimited and deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.