And despite the efforts of France to lead a European-based defence alternative, the EU defence institutions are overshadowed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The EU defence institutions are overshadowed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Post Brexit, it's business as usual for existing institutions and policies in defence, counter-terrorism and migration management. As for the US, Washington has no institutional military link to the European defence institutions. • Dr Stephen Hoadley is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 12, 2016 16:52 UTC