European security after 9/11

Abstract:

More than one politician has said that policy is shaped by events, and undoubtedly the impact of 9/11 has shaped the nature of world politics for decades to come. The 'war on terror' may be a reactive political decree that was honed in the heat of 9/11 rather than thoughtfully considered in the light of numerous warnings given in articles as far back as 1993 regarding the impending clash of cultures between the West and Islam.

This work considers the effects of 9/11 in a European dimension, and is organised over seven chapters. The first chapter offers background to the impact that 9/11 has had on thoughts about security, war and defence. Chapter two addresses the notion of culture in world politics and provides a re-evaluation of Samuel Huntington's 'Clash of Civilisations'. The book then moves to consider several case studies. Chapter three looks at the US-Europe relationship and considers whether or not it is undergoing a major change as the US moves to a more unilateralist position. Chapter four examines the French position of multipolarism and the need to provide some balance to the US policy. Germany and its defence policy in relation to the war in Afghanistan are covered in chapter five. Russian responses to 9/11 and Moscow's relationship with the member states of NATO are featured in chapter six. The final chapter examines British policy in the Middle East post 9/11 and emphasises the importance we must attach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian problem.

The work will interest scholars and students of international relations, security and strategic defence studies and European Union studies.

Peter Shearman is Associate Professor of International Relations and Security Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Matthew Sussex is currently teaching and conducting research in the areas of international security and international relations theory at the University of Queensland, Australia.