Effects of the Ukraine War, including the 2025 EU White Paper on European Defence, have transformed the political economy of European defence production are examined in a new
@jei-publication.bsky.social article
written with
@brunoomartins.bsky.social and
@jocelynmawdsley.bsky.socialWe argue this new reality is best understood as a European Iron Network, which is a web of states, EU institutions, NATO, and defence firms. Unlike the largely static US 'Iron Triangle', Europe’s network is dynamic, contested, and constantly renegotiated.
The European Iron Network’s strength lies in its resilience: flexibility, multiple forms of capacity, and the ability to rapidly reconfigure. But it also has vulnerabilities: fragmented supply chains, EU/NATO rivalry, duplication of effort and reliance on US technology.
Contestation is the defining feature of the political economy of European defence, with positive and negative implications. When managing the network European leaders need to balance EU and NATO roles, integrate Ukraine, decide how much to import from the US, and mobilize sustainable financing.
