A Transformation Gap?
NATO member states are all undergoing some form of military transformation. Despite a shared vision, transformation has been primarily a US-led process centered on the exploitation of new information technologies in combination with new concepts for "networked organizations" and "effects-based operations." Simply put, European states have been unable to match the level of US investment in new military technologies, leading to the identification of a growing "transformation gap" between the US and the European allies.
This book assesses the extent and trajectory of military transformation across a range of European NATO member states, setting their transformation progress against that of the US, and examining the complex mix of factors driving military transformation in each country. It reveals not only the nature and extent of the transatlantic gap, but also identifies an enormous variation in the extent and pace of transformation among the European allies, suggesting both technological and operational gaps within Europe.
"[T]his is a valuable and substantive, if somewhat sobering stocktaking of the Alliance's progress towards military transformation."—Survival
"Through a set of theoretically informed case studies of seven European countries, this volume provides new empirical insights into contemporary military transformation. It advances theory on how alliances influence transformation, and how diverse approaches to transformation impact coalition operations. Understanding the 'capability gap' between the United States and Europe—in technology, doctrine, concepts and organization—is critical for practitioners involved in current operations like Afghanistan and for those planning for the future."—Emily Goldman, United States Central Command
"A Transformation Gap? represents a valuable and much needed contribution to the literature on military innovation and adaptation. The authors' exploration of NATO's transformation track record should be interest to scholar and practitioner alike."—Thomas G. Mahnken, Professor of Strategy, U.S. Naval War College
"This is a must-read for politicians, military officers, and journalists on both sides of the Atlantic. This book explains and analyzes 'transformation' and its progress in NATO through six national case studies. It contains important insights for scholars, practitioners, and publics."—Grant T. Hammond, Dean, NATO Defense College