This book offers a history of a transatlantic security relationship that has endured for over seventy years, examining how developments inside NATO and European Union member states affect their ability to defend against external threats while preserving Western values, in the era of Trump and Brexit.

"A uniquely authoritative account of the alliance's history and the many challenges it must address."
Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London

"Sloan's comprehensive study provides rich history, international context, and astute perspectives with which to consider what NATO is today and how it may develop next."
Lawrence Chalmer, Former Director of the NATO Orientation Course and Professor Emeritus, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.

"Sloan is the most important American authority in the field of NATO historiography. His book belongs on the shelf of every person interested in the future of the transatlantic relationship."
Lawrence S. Kaplan, Director Emeritus, Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union Studies, Kent State University

"This welcome reissue brings the history of the Atlantic Alliance up to date with the rise of China, Brexit and the election of President Trump. Any sceptic tempted to write off NATO should read this book to understand the enduring shared interests and values that stand behind the transatlantic bargain."
Professor Sir David Omand GCB, Visiting Professor, King's College, London

Written in a lively and readable style by the world’s leading authority on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and US–European relations, Defense of the West is the history of a transatlantic security relationship that has endured for over seventy years.

This latest edition of a classic work looks at how developments inside NATO and European Union member states affect their ability to defend against external threats while preserving Western values, in the era of Trump and Brexit. Sloan frankly addresses the failures and shortcomings of Western institutions and member states. But the book emphasizes the continuing importance of value-based transatlantic security cooperation as a vital element of the defense and foreign policies of NATO and EU member states.

At a time of heightened tension and political turmoil, at home and abroad, Sloan’s lucid and far-sighted analysis is more necessary than ever.