Western European Union: Rhetoric and Reality (Essay)

Abstract

This paper briefly outlines the historical evolution of the Western European Union, from its origins in the Brussels Treaty to WEU's recent linkage with the process of European integration. Particular attention is paid to the political and military development of WEU as this relates to the apparent goal of eventual Western European defense integration. It is argued that in spite of the clamour to establish a European Defense Identity under WEU, however, the Europeans do not have a practical short-term alterative to the present situation of military dependence upon the United States and NATO.