Let us talk business, Mr Ambassador, let us talk security and defence

On his latest visit to Barcelona, US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Alan D. Solomont promised that he would soon start learning Catalan.  Some years ago this would have met with a torrent of approval, thousands of e-mails thanking him, and more than a few newspaper columns praising the ambassador and calling on Spanish authorities to display the same sensibility to Catalonia's language. Times have changed. Catalonia now means business, and therefore it is perhaps time to quickly have a look at what she needs from America, and what the United States in turn needs from Catalonia. Relations between nations are based on shared interests and values, not on sentimental appeals to language.

 

First of all, what does Catalonia need from the United States?

 

1.- A clear warning, delivered in private, to Spain that Washington will suspend any form of military cooperation if force is used against Catalan civilians and institutions. This should be issued both to the government and directly to top military leaders. In addition, it should be discreetly but firmly pressed on any Spanish military officer visiting the US, attending courses or training there, or holding a NATO command. Needless to say, this is something that is in the United States' own interest, since Washington has nothing to gain, and a lot to lose, if force is employed against civilians in the heart of Europe, and to make matters worse within a NATO state. Much better to discreetly intervene early than to have to deal with the problem later, after blood has already been spilled.

 

2.- Material and training to build Catalonia's Armed Forces. The strategic position of the country makes it imperative that no security void emerges and that, on the contrary, the Western Mediterranean becomes more secure than ever, thus facilitating the Pivot to the Pacific. This should include regular rotations by US units, on a dual instructor / joint exercises mission, as is becoming increasingly common in the Asia-Pacific region. Also, just like with any other ally, the chance for Catalan military personnel to attend courses in the US.

 

3.- An open door for Catalan companies and research centers to participate in US-led multinational weapons industry consortia. They have much to offer, and understand that no country can hope to become an industrial and scientific power without playing a leading role in the defense industry.

 

4.- An understanding that, in accordance with the principle of state succession, Catalonia will be considered a NATO member-state, for all effects and purposes, from day one. This is in the interest of the whole of the Atlantic Alliance.

 

Second, what does the United States need from Catalonia?

 

1.- A serious, reliable ally in the Western Mediterranean. One able to secure, together with other responsible NATO member states in the region, critical SLOCs (sea lines of communication), allowing the US Navy to concentrate in the Pacific-Indian Ocean region in order to face the growing threats in that theater.

 

2. Given its key location between France and North and Western Africa, a partner with top-class logistics facilities open to allied operations.

 

3.- Barcelona and Tarragona harbors, as bases for NATO's missile shield naval component. This means the connections to nearby airports and to the French and European railway networks must be completed at once. In modern warfare, logistics are essential, and this means multi-modal transportation and dual-purpose facilities.

 

4.- A mountain warfare brigade able to deploy by air at short notice and take part in NATO and coalition operations, including post-conflict stabilization, without restrictive national ROEs. Catalonia's strong tradition in fields like mountaineering and skiing means that this could become a reality in a relatively short period of time.

 

 

In addition, we could say that intelligence sharing is a mutual need, and therefore a key topic to feature in future bilateral talks.

 

Alex Calvo is a Professor of International Relations and International Law, Head of the IR Department, and Postgraduate Research Director, European University (Barcelona Campus). An expert on Asian security and defence issues, he got his LLB from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, University of London) and is currently doing an MA in Second World War Studies at the University of Birmingham. He is a former teaching and research fellow at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).