Deterrence and Forward Presence in Europe: From Cold War to Present

The emergence of the Cold War following WWII did not allow for all U.S. troops to return home. The First Division, among other units, remained for a long time to help provide conventional deterrence and to reassure allies. The aftermath of the Cold War allowed for a reduction in the number of forces deployed, but new geopolitical realities may affect this moving forward.
Sarah Kreps, Associate Professor of Government, Cornell University
FPRI's Butcher History Institute
March 24, 2018