The Common Security and Defence Policy: National Perspectives

The Royal Institute for International Relations is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. Its interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom. Drawing on the expertise of its own research fellows, as well as that of external specialists, both Belgian and foreign, it provides analysis and policy options that are meant to be as operational as possible.Commentators increasingly took for granted that nothing much
should be expected from the Common Security and Defence Policy due to the economic and financial strains which impacted all EU action since 2008. Many of the Member States did not want to be involved in the international turmoils of the time, and they rarely shared the strategic culture which inspired those Member States who saw themselves as having special responsibilities in dealing with these crises.

Member States remain central to EU security and defence policy and this collection of essays is valuable for assessing in no uncertain way the long road that laid ahead for any progress to be made.