US Troop Withdrawal from Germany | An Expert Analysis

US Soldier stands in Lithuania, 2019

Last week, the Trump Administration announced the withdrawal of nearly 12,000 troops from Germany and a plan to move the headquarters of US European Command from Germany to Belgium. The decision has sparked bipartisan congressional opposition and is seen as a blow to NATO and a move that will possibly weaken the US military’s position toward Russia. The Kennan Institute recently asked several of our experts to weigh in on this developing story and consider the following questions:

1. What are the implications of the removal of American troops from Germany, the move of an army corps headquarters to Poland, and possible future rotations of troops further East for NATO members and other regional states?

2. What are the implications for the US-Russia and NATO-Russia relationship, if any?

3. What might the impact of the troop transfers be on regional security issues in the European theater both in the short and long term?

This compilation is one in an occasional series highlighting the expertise of Kennan Institute scholars and staff.

Click Below to Read Each Expert's Analysis

Authors

Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange.   Read more

Kennan Institute