Towards a Common European Security and Defence Policy? The Debate on NATO, the European Army and Transatlantic Security

Abstract

The movement towards a Common European Security and Defence Policy (CESDP) in the contemporary European Union (EU), and the possible creation of a European army, capture the leitmotiv of contemporary European political integration. The movement towards a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) in western Europe raises key questions about the very nature of European foreign and defence policy, transatlantic relations and, most significantly, the core meaning and destination of European union. Defence therefore takes on a salience not just in its own field, but in the entire European integration process. The culmination of interstate security co-operation would be the formation of an integrated security community in which identities and policy-making capacities have been consolidated or unified at the European level. Defence policy forms the spine of broader European security policy and a security strategy can only exist with a strong military spine. This is especially prescient following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on New York and Washington, DC. Washington expects Europe to follow its lead in international politics and terrorism policy. Since 1998, the Europeans have developed new plans to gain greater political and military independence from Washington and NATO. To what extent, therefore, does the EU want to go beyond being a mere 'civilian power' towards being a 'military power' following the recent terrorist attacks? What are the consequences of such a transformation for western Europe, the United States (US) and transatlantic relations? To what extent will the US remain involved in European security and in what form? The present analysis begins with an analysis of key issues in European defence and security after 11 September 2001. The article then goes on to consider options for transatlantic relations and European security. The article then considers the positions of the major western European powers towards the so-called CESDP. The article goes on to consider CESDP in the new global order, including US hopes and concerns for CESDP. Finally, the conclusion focuses on the prospects for European defence and security into the twenty-first century.