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The dual shocks of a US President questioning America's commitment as Europe and NATO's security guarantor, coupled with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have compelled Europeans to rethink and significantly bolster their own defense capabilities. This course investigates the defense policy transformations currently ongoing in Europe and explores the role of the EU at this critical juncture: Will European nations unite to form a robust defense union, or will individual countries prioritize national approaches? Can the EU, set up as an economic "peace project", transform into a geopolitical power? And what will be NATO's role in the future of European defense? The course provides an introduction to the key actors of European defense policy, the structure of Europe's security architecture, and the conceptual and theoretical foundations of European defense policy. Students will analyze defense strategies and perspectives of specific member states such as Germany, France, and Poland, assess the repercussions of Brexit on EU defense dynamics, and address the complexities of EU partnerships with nations like the UK and Turkey. Special focus is given to the intricate relationship between the United States and the EU, examining America's role as both an enabler of European defense and inhibitor of EU defense policy. Students will also examine concepts of burden-sharing and burden-shifting, learn about the stakes involved in EU defense industrial policymaking, and contemplate the existence and implications of an EU grand strategy. Taught in a seminar format, this course encourages active participation through class discussions and engagement with guest speakers who bring real-world perspectives.