The U.S. Defense Budget and the Future of Alliance Burden-Sharing

For the first time in more than a decade, defense budgets are declining on both sides of the Atlantic. This article argues that in order to prevent the burden-sharing debate from escalating between transatlantic partners in times of economic crisis, the United States and Europe need to rethink their respective defense capabilities and promote more regional cooperation and specialization. The authors also present key priorities for NATO members to help frame the debate on the future of transatlantic defense cooperation.