The NIDS team discusses Kyle Balzer’s article “US Withdrawal from Europe Won’t Solve the China Threat,” which expresses concern about the potential withdrawal of U.S. military presence in Europe to address the rising threat from China.
The article emphasizes that a U.S. withdrawal of conventional forces from Europe, intended to prioritize the China threat, would be counterproductive. It argues that maintaining a strong U.S. conventional presence in Europe is crucial for effective deterrence against Russia, maintaining NATO cohesion, and ultimately supporting U.S. efforts in competing with China. The author contends that relying solely on nuclear deterrence in Europe would undermine credibility and could lead to a scenario that diverts resources away from Asia.
The team debates the actual impact that potential troop reductions in Europe might have compared to America’s pivot to Asia, amid financial constraints affecting defense spending and the necessity for prioritization in military strategy and accountability in political decisions.
About the Author
Adam Lowther
Dr. Adam Lowther is Vice President of Research at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. Read the full bio here.
Curtis McGiffin
Col. Curtis McGiffin (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) is Vice President for Education at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies and visiting professor at Missouri State University’s School of Defense and Strategic Studies.
Read the full bio here.
