Deep cooperation by Belgian defence : absorbing the impact of declining defence budgets on national capabilities

Abstract: Despite tight budgetary constraints, the number of military interventions in which Belgium participated is substantial. The Belgian air force and navy were able to retain their basic war fighting capabilities after the Cold War. The land forces lost and are losing capabilities because of a lack of strategic anchoring. The most important Belgian contribution to international and European defence thinking has to be found in the innovative approach with respect to BelgianDutch naval cooperation. The latter could be an example for Europeanizing and generating the use of military capabili... Mehr ...