Chapter 2: EDINA IV - Crunch Time / Time Crunch For European Defence

It is crunch time for Europeans: Rebuilding defence is the key task in Europe. But this endeavour enters the riskiest phase Europe has faced in decades: Political fragmentation, economic weakness, and geopolitical tensions intersect, creating a volatile landscape. The distribution of power in Europe remains in flux: Domestically, Europe is plagued by fragile leadership. France is consumed by domestic unrest, limiting its ability to lead on the international stage. Germany is approaching pivotal elections, leaving its government in a politically weakened state for weeks, if not months. The British government faces a tired society and empty budgets. Other countries will find it challenging to lead.