German political scholar Ulrike Guerot warned that Europe cannot achieve lasting peace through enhanced nuclear deterrence, as some European countries discussed strengthening nuclear deterrence and signed treaties in July.
France signed the Northward Declaration with the UK in early July and Germany signed the Kensington Treaty in the UK on Thursday.
According to Guerot, U.S. President Donald Trump's reduced security commitments to Europe, along with pressure on defense spending and trade tariffs, have escalated strategic anxiety of Europe.
While leaders of Germany, France, and Britain seek to counter geopolitical threats through increased cooperation, their nuclear collaboration will further endanger European security, said Guerot.
Guerot believes that Europe's common security framework must include Russia, adding that supplying weapons to Ukraine, increasing military spending, and enhancing nuclear cooperation will make lasting peace unattainable.
"Nuclear weapons should not be an option for Europe. I believe we need broad discussions on establishing a neutral Europe. This would position Europe to play a major role in a multipolar world and facilitate a peace agreement with Russia, jointly building a European security architecture," said Guerot.
Beyond recent talks, France and Germany will hold ministerial-level meetings in late August to discuss nuclear deterrence strategies. Some believe that Europe's overt nuclear dialog will inevitably be perceived by Russia as a threat, deepening mutual distrust.
Europe can't achieve lasting peace through enhanced nuclear deterrence: German scholar
Europe can't achieve lasting peace through enhanced nuclear deterrence: German scholar
Europe can't achieve lasting peace through enhanced nuclear deterrence: German scholar
