Concepts of Security in the European Union after the Cold War

In: Australian Journal of International Affairs, Band 54, Heft 3, S. 337-355

Abstract

This paper discusses the manner in which the European Union (EU) has managed its newfound position as security actor during the 1990s. It also looks at the manner in which security considerations have become a considerable impetus behind the EU's actions & identifies a range of factors that impose threats to the EU: an end to EU integration & resulting instability in Central & Eastern Europe, a continuously unstable Russia, & instability in the Mediterranean. The paper contends that only enlargement & integration can be utilized to counter these threats. The paper then looks at global security from an EU perspective, arguing that an examination of past policies is essential if current security situations are to be fully understood. The findings of Waever & Buzan, & Waever & de Wilde (1995-1997) are examined. The paper concludes that the civilian power perspective, which has dominated EU policies, should be reevaluated, as the EU is in the process of being endowed with the security means necessary to become a powerful foreign policy actor. 29 References. K. A. Larsen