Evolution and Devolution: The Dynamics of Sovereignty and Security in Post-Cold War Europe

Abstract

At a time when individual defense outlays are being significantly diminished, the national governments of Western Europe are confronted with the necessity of reforming and adapting their militaries to address new security concerns and undertake new missions. This study will examine multinational military integration as one possible approach whereby national governments can limit defense spending and still maintain military capabilities to meet the contemporary security threats faced by the nation states of the continent. The first three chapters of the work will explore the broad patterns of change in the international system which have propelled states to reexamine how they define the functions and interests of the nation state. The second group of three chapters will discuss the new security issues facing Europe. The final three chapters will present specific case studies which illustrate the trend toward integration. In the end, it can be demonstrated that the convergence of factors, the evolution of the nation state, the change in contemporary security perceptions, fiscal constraints and the established progress in multilateral military cooperation, will continue to propel European military integration.