European strategists keep thinking about vulnerabilities and dependencies. Adopting a “middle power mindset” instead would help them to focus on the continent’s strong points—and on how to use them.

US unipolar power politics and US-China strategic competition do not serve Europe. It must actively promote an alternative. 

Paris and Berlin need to find new ways to drive Europe forward despite their diverging visions—and uncertainty over elections. 

NATO’s eastern flank is increasingly making its voice heard when it comes to European security—but this does not translate into political influence yet. However, security dynamics are likely to change and will affect European defense integration more broadly.