Debating European Security and Defense Policy: Understanding the Complexity

by Maxime H. A. Larivé, Sai Felicia Krishna-Hensel

Overview

Dr. Larivé questions whether there is such a thing as a European defense and security policy. This book analyzes the integration process by clearly illustrating to the reader the two sides of the argument in order to understand the complexity of the problems in the different stages of the creation and implementation of the European defense policy. In doing so, this study asks the question of why the process has been so halting and of such limited scope. Ultimately, this book offers a unique base for fostering discussion, understanding and critical thinking on the CSDP.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472409973
Publisher:	Ashgate Publishing Ltd
Publication date:	10/28/2014
Series:	Global Interdisciplinary Studies Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Dr Maxime H. A. Larivé is a Research Associate at the European Union Center of Excellence at the University of Miami. His research focuses on the European Union as a global security actor. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, like European Security, and renowned international magazines like the National Interest and World Politics Review. He graduated with his Ph.D. from the Department of International Studies at the University of Miami in 2012 and worked as a Jean Monnet post-doctoral Fellow at the EU Center of Excellence at the University of Miami from 2012-2013.

Table of Contents

Contents: Foreword; Preface; Introduction. Part I Explaining European Security through International Relations Theories: Is neorealism best suited to explain the integration of EU defense and security policies?; Do the different versions of liberalism offer the right tools in order to explain integration in high politics?; How does social constructivism contribute to the debate on the integration of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy? Part II Historical and Strategic Evolutions of European Security: Was the end of the Cold War a driver toward integration of the EU security and defense policy?; Was the US a factor in deepening the integration process of EU security policy?; Has the 2008 financial crisis been an engine fostering the integration process in EU security and defense policies?; Does the EU have a true global security strategy? Part III Actors of the Common Security and Defense Policy: Are the Member States the main driving forces in the integration of the EU defense and security policies?; Has the High Representative been the unquestioned figure in the making of the EU as a global actor?; Has the CSDP become the instrument for foreign intervention and engagement envisioned by the Member States and the EU?; Concluding remarks. References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

’This book cleverly contrasts opposing views about ten of the main topics of the CSDP since its inception in 1998. The strength of the analysis is based on the adoption of an innovative approach for uncovering the limits of absolute explanations and on the subtle persuasion to develop a more balanced, selective and accurate assessment of the CSDP.’ Roberto Dominguez, Suffolk University, Boston, USA ’In this worthy contribution to the existing literature on CSDP, Maxime Larivé takes a comprehensive and somewhat controversial approach to this EU policy as each topic is deconstructed through a range of apposite theoretical explanations. Larive's book is valuable for both International Relations and EU studies scholars willing to better understand European integration and the value of security and defence policy as a tool for projecting Europe as an international actor, and for founding a European identity.’ Natividad Fernández Sola, University of Zaragoza, Spain 'The book is structured in a functional way that guides the reader in discovering and examining this crucial subject in depth. ... the plain language and schematic structure make the book suitable for students aiming to acquire a critical awareness of the subject. Larivé succeeds in putting readers in an active position, challenging their opinions and knowledge of the subject.' International Spectator

From the Publisher