Trans-Atlantic Collective Security in Light of the War on Terrorism and the War on Iraq

During the 20th Century the U.S was the beacon helping rebuild Europe and the lynchpin for collective security of Europe during the Cold War. One must understand why the Europeans want to create a defense force outside the umbrella of NATO. The objectives are to address three areas concerning the security dilemma of Europe and Trans-Atlantic relations post 9/11. These objectives are: (1) to examine the U.S National Security Strategy and the impact this strategy has on the Trans-Atlantic relationship; (2) to analyze three key European NATO committed and three neutral states to understand each states current position as it pertains to the collective security of Europe and the Relationship; and (3) analyze Russia and assess its impact on the Relationship. Policy recommendations for the U.S are: (1) to continue supporting Europe's collective security policy; (2) to take the lead on NATO expansion of the East; (3) to ensure the relationship is maintained and focused on uniting all fronts and avoid divisions between bi-polar camps within the EU, NATO and the U.S; (4) to expand its relationship with Russia from a partnership to an alliance either through NATO or bi-laterally; and (5) to ensure the Trans-Atlantic Alliance's stability in Asia remains status quo.