The European security and defence identity debate
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Date
2001-09-12T00:00:00Z
Authors
Young, Christopher J.
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Abstract
The theoretical foundations of the thesis are based on international regime theory, in particular the concept of security regimes. The thesis divides the debates between Europeanists and Atlanticists and places both within the theoretical constructs of international regime theory. Europeanists believe that the European Union must eventually develop and implement its own defence capabilities outside of NATO. The Europeanist argument relies on a more functionalist approach to international regimes, whereby integration in one area will necessarily spillover into the security realm. Atlanticists, on the other hand, believe that NATO must remain as the key institution to supply the public good of defence for Europe. The Atlanticist argument rely on the premise of hegemonic stability and the need to have a hegemon, the United States, remain as the leader within the regime in order to sustain the regime. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)