Emerging 'Strategic Autonomy'

What is the issue?

The idea of “strategic autonomy” was for long central to Indian foreign policy discourse after the Cold War.
But now, there is a new enthusiasm for independent foreign and security policies among many other countries.

What are the recent developments?

Idea - The debate on strategic autonomy has been most vocal in the European Union.
It is also beginning to acquire some traction among Asian allies like Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Europe feels that it could no longer rely on U.S. alone for its security.
It is felt that Europe should take its destiny into its own hands and become a credible sovereign actor on the global stage.
Measures - The EU has unveiled an ambitious agenda for common defence.
This includes -

Permanent Structured Security Cooperation under the common security and defence policy
development of a joint interventionary force
the establishment of a $15-billion European Defence Fund

Moreover, strategic autonomy and nuclear weapons are often seen as two sides of the same coin.
France and the U.K. have been talking for a while of pooling their nuclear resources for a “European deterrent force”.
Germany, despite its long-standing nuclear aversion, has now begun to debate the merits of a German nuclear option.

How is the U.S. a reason for these?

The new emphasis on autonomy is more a result of unprecedented pressure from the U S.
The U.S. President Trump is questioning the need for America's efforts and costs in protecting its rich allies in Europe and Asia.
The importance of America paying for the maintenance of the “liberal international order” is given least thought.
Trump is also conscious of ensuring US alliance commitments in Europe and Asia.
This has begun to compel the US allies to reflect on the need for strategic autonomy.

What is the case with India?

It is claimed in India that “strategic autonomy” is a general and fundamental principle of India’s foreign policy.
However, it tends to be invoked only in relation to the United States and never in the discussion of the ties with Russia or China.
U.S. is now more aligned with India on key regional and global interests than Russia or China.
These include the issues on Pakistan, cross-border terrorism and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Under the present government, India has begun to take a more practical view of “strategic autonomy”.
It has shed some of the inhibitions against security cooperation with the West.
The Defence partnerships with the US and France have finally begun to gain progress.
Nevertheless, the residual legacy of “strategic autonomy” is raised to limit India's deeper engagement with the US.

What is the significance now?

In India's case, it is the fear of American “entrapment” that was a driving factor for its thinking on “strategic autonomy.”
On the other hand, it is the fear of US “abandonment” that shapes the present European debate.

Trump’s “America First” policy would not have mattered for US allies if Europe and Asia were at peace with themselves.
But they are not at present.
The assertiveness of Russia in Europe and China in Asia and the deepening alliance between them are evident.
These add to the pressures on not just the US allies but also India.

What is the way forward?

India must end its neglect of existing European structures like NATO, and pay attention to the emerging defence institutions.
The EU, on its part, must begin to integrate India into its security framework.
Deepening defence partnership is a good way to enhance the strategic autonomy of India and Europe in an uncertain world.

Source: Indian Express