Debating European Security and Defense Policy. Understanding the Complexity

Dr. Larivé questions whether there is such a thing as a European defense and security policy. This book analyses the integration process by clearly illustrating to the reader the two sides of the argument in order to understand the complexity of the problems in the different stages of the creation and implementation of the European defence policy. In doing so, this study asks the question of why has the process been so halting and of such limited scope?

Structured in three parts: Theories, analysing the theoretical debates raised by the positivist paradigms of neorealism, liberalism and constructivism on European security; History, reflecting on the impacts of the Cold War, American foreign policy, the 2008 economic crisis, and the evolution of European strategy; and, Actors, by looking at the role of European institutions, Member States, and the CSDP on the transformation of the European defense policy since 1998. Each chapter is composed of sub questions allowing the reader to grasp the different forces explaining the deepening or lack of the deepening process of the CSDP. Ultimately, this book offers a base for fostering discussion, understanding and critical thinking on the CSDP.

Contents:
Part I Explaining European Security through International Relations Theories:
+ Is neorealism best suited to explain the integration of EU defense and security policies?
+ Do the different versions of liberalism offer the right tools in order to explain integration in high politics?
+ How does social constructivism contribute to the debate on the integration of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy?

Part II Historical and Strategic Evolutions of European Security:
+ Was the end of the Cold War a driver toward integration of the EU security and defense policy?
+ Was the US a factor in deepening the integration process of EU security policy?
+ Has the 2008 financial crisis been an engine fostering the integration process in EU security and defense policies?
+ Does the EU have a true global security strategy?

Part III Actors of the Common Security and Defense Policy:
+ Are the Member States the main driving forces in the integration of the EU defense and security policies?
+ Has the High Representative been the unquestioned figure in the making of the EU as a global actor?
+ Has the CSDP become the instrument for foreign intervention and engagement envisioned by the Member States and the EU?