Javier Solana, a distinguished fellow at Brookings, discusses why Europe and European institutions such as the EU and NATO are important not only in terms of European integration, but for the world. Solana has held numerous leadership posts, including: member of the Spanish parliament; Spanish foreign affairs minister; secretary-general of NATO; European Union high representative for common foreign and security policy; and secretary general of the Council of the European Union. Also in this episode, Bill Finan speaks with Foreign Policy VP and Director Bruce Jones about his new book (editor), “The Marshall Plan and the Shaping of American Strategy.” In it, Jones explores how the United States helped restore a Europe battered by World War II and created the foundation for the postwar international order. Subscribe to Brookings podcasts here or on iTunes, send feedback email to BCP@Brookings.edu, and follow us and tweet us at @policypodcasts on Twitter. The Brookings Cafeteria is a part of the Brookings Podcast Network.