Leslie Lebl

Scripps Howard Op-ed, April 2007
This opinion piece looks at how portions of sharia law are being implemented in Western Europe, and argues that defending American values benefits both Americans and moderate Muslims.

ACUS Monograph, January 2007
This monograph recommends a higher profile in U.S. foreign policy for relations with the European Union. It offers case studies in the areas of defense, foreign policy, counter-terrorism, and trade and regulatory policy. It proposes a strategy balancing cooperative and competitive elements, and proposes organizational changes within the U.S. government.

ACUS Policy Paper, March 2006.
A study group of the Atlantic Council of the United States concluded that NATO and the EU must establish a new commitment and new mechanisms to face threats together. They must prepare now to work together in combined operations if they are to be effective in addressing the security questions of the 21st century.

Orbis, Winter 2006.
The past year saw growing uncertainty about the future of the European Union. Whether it becomes weaker or stronger, and whether it acts as a global paratner or competitor, the United States cannot afford to ignore the EU. By understanding the different EU decision-making processes for defense, foreign policy, counter-terrorism, and economic issues, the United States can do a better job of advancing its interests in Europe.

EuroFuture, Summer 2005.
American commentators, when discussing the European Union and transatlantic security relations, usually focus either on the role of France or of the United Kingdom. Relatively few think of Germany, despite the latter's importance to both NATO and the EU. This article reviews Germany's current security policies, its military reform, and its possible contributions to the military operations of NATO and the EU.

Policy Review, April/May 2005.
Within a week of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, European leaders publicly committed themselves to closer cooperation with the United States than ever before. At a time when overall transatlantic relations were poor, counter-terrorist cooperation in law enforcement, freezing of terrorist financial assets, and transport and border security developed rapidly.

Cato Institute, Policy Analysis No. 516,
June 24, 2004.
If the European Union continues its slow but steady progress toward a common foreign and security policy, including an autonomous military force, U.S. policy and NATO will have to change as well. Eventually, the United States may want to negotiate new security arrangements involving both NATO and the EU.

Orbis review essay, Fall 2004, pp. 719-31.
This essay reviews books on U.S. foreign policy by Elizabeth Pond, Ivo Daalder/James Lindsay, and Philip Gordon/Jeremy Shapiro. It argues that only strong political leadership can mend transatlantic relations, overcoming differing threat perceptions and military capabilities, disagreements over Iraq and the Middle East and growing transatlantic estrangement.