A detailed review of the rise and fall of the European Defense Community was conducted, analyzing its importance in the process of European integration and its profound impact on the defense and security architecture of Western Europe. At the same time, focusing on the key role and influence of French political philosopher Raymond Aron in the debate on the European collective security project, this article explores his position on European defense issues and his contribution to the European vision. In addition, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the strategic debates surrounding the European Defense Community, with the aim of reassessing the complex relationship between Europe and the Atlantic Alliance in the context of the Cold War and European integration.

1、 Europe in the context of the 'Great Schism' international landscape

Deeply explored the background of the birth of the post-war European Defense Community and its strategic significance in the international political landscape. The European Defense Community is seen as a symbol of the united front for European security and a shared destiny, reflecting the gradual integration of functionalism into political alliances. Raymond Aron was skeptical about Western European military defense and Germany's rearmament, but initially had a moderate attitude towards the European collective security project. The 'Great Schism' of the late 1940s marked an inevitable conflict between superpowers and their allies, exacerbating the heterogeneity of the international system. Aron believed that after World War II, Europe's international influence declined and there was no longer European coordination, only global coordination. His historical consciousness and nationalist views led him to hold a reserved attitude towards supranational European entities, but realism also showed him the possibility of strengthening European cooperation. Aron realized the threat posed by the Soviet Union and believed that a unified Europe was a strong barrier against Soviet expansion. In 1947, he put forward the argument that "peace is impossible, war is unlikely" and believed that Western countries should revitalize their economies through the Marshall Plan rather than rearming their military. But with the changing global landscape, Aron began to reassess Europe's defense posture. The successful atomic bomb test by the Soviet Union and the spread of communism in Asia posed new vulnerabilities to Europe. Aron realized that Europe's pace of rearmament was slow and in an unstable and fragile state.

2、 The Atlantic and the German Question

Detailed discussion on Raymond Aron's strategic debate on the European Defense Community from 1949 to 1955. Aron firmly supports the North Atlantic Treaty and opposes a neutral stance. He believes that forming an alliance with the United States is the key to containing the Soviet Union, avoiding war, and providing material support for the reconstruction of Europe. He advocates moderate liberalism, emphasizes improving the living standards of Europeans, and places Europe within the framework of the Atlantic economy. Aron believes that integrating Germany into the West, easing the Franco German conflict, post-war reconstruction, and resolving economic crises are the primary considerations of the Atlantic path. He warned of changes in the national defense situation, emphasized the necessity of including Germany in the European defense mechanism, and criticized the neutral stance in the media, elaborating on the danger of a power vacuum in Germany.

3、 The birth of the European Defense Community

We discussed in detail the plan announced by US Secretary of State Acheson in 1950 to send reinforcements to Europe and establish the NATO Integrated Command, as well as France's unease and proposal of the Plevin Plan. The Plevin Plan aims to form a European army managed by a supranational institution to prevent the weakening of France's status. Aron holds a moderate attitude towards the European Defense Community, believing that the rearmament of Western Europe is important, but also recognizing its weaknesses. He shared similar views with Charles de Gaulle, believing that the Atlantic Alliance was a protective umbrella against the Soviet Union, and that France and Europe had common interests, but also recognized the problems with European defense projects. Aron pointed out that there are huge differences of interest among the member states of the European Defense Community, and it is difficult for Germany and France to turn enemies into friends. He believes that the easing of Franco German relations and Germany's participation need to be built on a truly equal relationship. Aron emphasized that the European vision is a strategic necessity, and Western Europe's defense capabilities, stability, and freedom depend on Franco German reconciliation. The establishment of the European Defense Community is the touchstone to test European unity, but Aron is skeptical of the possibility of European unity, and believes that the military concept of the European concept may be too revolutionary, and the essence of European unity depends on the real aspirations of the people of all countries.

4、 Bet on the future of Europe

Detailed discussions were held on the external and internal challenges faced by the European Defense Community in the early 1950s. Although the implementation of the Pleven Plan was supported by the United States and approved by the six member states, the deterioration of the military situation in **, the contradiction between French intervention in Asia and European rearmament, as well as the intervention of the socialist camp, have all brought difficulties to the European collective security project. Raymond Aron is critical of France's involvement in Asia, emphasizing that France should prioritize the European battlefield and warning against falling into the Soviet propaganda trap. He advocated for the use of US aid, called for Europe to work together to build defense, and proposed a realistic political approach that would allow Francoist Spain to be incorporated into the Western framework.

5、 The ultimate defeat

Detailed description of Raymond Aron's dissatisfaction with the increased pressure from the United States and the joint actions of communists and Gaullists after the German Bundestag approved the European Defense Community in 1953. Aron suspected that de Gaulle may sacrifice Western unity to negotiate with Moscow, deepening his differences with de Gaulle and his followers. Aron believes that Germany's rearmament is necessary, but the methods need to be negotiated and can be incorporated into European or Atlantic frameworks. However, members of the French People's Union opposed Germany's rearmament, and Europeans expressed doubts about Aron's position. At the end of the Indo ** War in 1954, Aron was frustrated by the plan of the European Defense Community, regarded himself as a "moderate critic of the treaty", and agreed with the attempt of Mendes Frans to revise the treaty. After the failure of the European Defense Community, Aron's hope for political unity in Europe was shattered, believing that building a common European army was a challenge before establishing a unified political entity in Europe. Aron sees the geopolitical differences between France and Germany, making it difficult to reach a consensus. The failure of the European Defense Community in 1954 partially explained the turning point in Aron's life in 1955. He saw the failure of European ideals and held reservations about the process of the Community. Aron returned to university hoping to inherit the legacy of liberal Europe and become a sociologist, international relations theorist, and Clausewitz interpreter of industrial society.

conclusion

Reviewing the strategic debate between Raymond Aron and the European Defense Community, emphasizing Aron's important role as a French liberal intellectual in the political changes of 20th century Europe. Aron holds a cautious critical attitude towards the European Defense Community, believing that post-war Europe needs common defense, but resolving internal issues is the top priority. He advocates using American power to solve European problems within the framework of the Atlantic, rather than establishing a supranational European military. Although Aron does not fully believe in Europeanism, he promotes European ideals due to practical needs. Despite the failure of the European Defense Community, the process of European integration has not stopped, such as the European Economic Community and the European Union. Aron's position on European issues is neither fully supportive of the European movement nor a skeptic. He supports European construction, but emphasizes that national level tasks should be addressed first. As a French and European, Aaron proposed a new mission of decolonization of Europe in his later years, and promoted critical thinking through dialogue among civilizations. Aron's intellectual legacy has guiding significance for understanding the current political landscape in Europe, especially the balance between common interests and national sovereignty. While pursuing integration, European countries need to balance their national interests with the common interests of Europe, which requires a profound understanding of historical lessons and a clear analysis of international relations.