Risks at the European periphery

In: Europas Sicherheitsarchitektur im Wandel, S. 549-555

Abstract

"Europe's periphery is difficult to assess in terms of threats. The conflicts that the Middle East is facing today are no longer between states, but across borders and inter-societal. Furthermore, the borders that were set by the colonial powers are crumbling and the national state is losing ground. In its stead, offer forms of identity are resurfacing, namely the struggle between Shiites and Sunnis. Many other challenges occur, and Europe has to find a way how to deal with them, or at least parts of them. To get a complete set of answers to these challenges, the strategic trends must be examined. Once these are understood, Europe can find strategies to deal with them. One strategy for a safer periphery should be a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. Europe should be one of its main initiators. By helping its periphery to help itself, Europe helps itself as well. The second issue that Europe needs to tackle is the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Europe has to solve this issue, in a way that is acceptable to all parties and guarantees equal rights for all. Once these two persisting threats, or challenges, are resolved, Europe may well find a periphery that is not only more peaceful, but also much safer. This should be the strategy for Europe's periphery at risk." (author's abstract)