There are many different wars going on in Europe. Some of them are ancient, while others are recent and modern. Religion was a major cause of European wars. There were also conflicts arising over the threat from the Soviet Union. These wars erupted in Asia and Europe. You can learn about them in this article.
Religion was a primary cause of wars in Europe
The history of religion and war dates back to the early modern era. Europe was a land where wars were often fought over religion. Religious conflicts attracted attention, and people began to follow closely. This resulted in a number of publications offering real-time coverage.
Wars of religion were often waged between neighbors and foreign powers. They targeted entire populations and left tremendous collateral damage. The victims of such conflicts were generally common people. During the Thirty Year's War, for example mercenary soldiers pillaged and destroyed villages.
Transatlantic cooperation
The United States and Europe used to be allies. However, recent terrorist attacks have shown that their transatlantic relationship is less secure. Europe will find it hard to maintain its military importance in Washington with the United States' primary focus being on international terrorist attacks. For Europe to remain a trustworthy and influential partner in the United States, it will have to make significant changes.
To avoid a new conflict in Europe, we need to work together more constructively across the Atlantic. Washington and Europe share a commitment to the preservation of the transatlantic alliance, regardless of the differences in their relationships. Transatlantic cooperation only works if current allies can agree on important global issues. Europeans are likely to be wary about Washington's willingness for constructive criticism.
Soviet threat
The Soviet threat to Europe wars is real. This should not come as a surprise. The Soviet Union has significantly improved its nuclear capability since the Cold War. It is now far more advanced than NATO in terms of range and numbers. In fact, the Soviets have become the major player in conventional war in Europe, with NATO outnumbered by nearly three to one in artillery, anti-tank guns, and air defense systems. The Soviet Union also developed the mobile SS-20 missile that can hit any part of Europe in minutes. It has a range up to 5,000 km and can be used to strike any corner within minutes.
During the Cold War, the USSR and the United States were polar opposites, with a mutual distrust and suspicion toward each other. But, Soviet and American leaders started to negotiate and sign agreements on strategic arms limits in the 1970s. Brezhnev stated that peaceful coexistence was the norm. However, he warned that wars will still break out in Third World.
The effects of nuclear weapons
It is crucial to understand the effects of nuclear weapons on Europe's security in a world that has seen the threat of nuclear war increase. It is possible for them to have disastrous consequences. The Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference is fast approaching. Policy-makers are trying hard to keep up the pace with the rapidly changing nuclear threat. The number of nuclear-weapon states is increasing. Iran is one example. It has an estimated breakout speed of less than a week. The US president's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal has only increased the threat.
Many European nations considered developing nuclear weapons after the Second World War. Some even began nuclear weapons programmes, including Sweden. Recent research revealed that Germany is closer to having nuclear weapons than most people thought. Germany's government also considered building a European bomb alongside France and Italy. In fact, Franz Josef Strauss, Germany's defense minister, secretly signed an agreement in Paris with his counterparts from Rome.