Abstract
This article argues that Europe’s loss of heavy combat power is primarily the result of doctrinal shifts influenced by the United States, rather than underfunding alone. Unlike existing research that focuses on defense budgets or burden-sharing, this study isolates the opportunity costs of adopting US-based expeditionary and counterinsurgency doctrines. Using force structure data for Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom (1990–2022), it conducts a counterfactual analysis of lost tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and heavy artillery pieces. The article shows that Europe’s shortfalls are doctrinal as much as fiscal and highlights the relevance of maintaining balance in future doctrinal choices.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.55540/0031-1723.3381
Recommended Citation
Bence Nemeth, "Imitating US Doctrine Cost Europe Its Heavy Combat Power," Parameters 56, no. 1 (2026), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.3381.
Included in
Defense and Security Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Military History Commons, Military, War, and Peace Commons, National Security Law Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Policy History, Theory, and Methods Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Public Administration Commons, Public Affairs Commons, Terrorism Studies Commons