A Question of Convergence: US and EU Security Strategies between 2002 and 2016
Abstract
This monograph examines the evolution of US and EU security strategies between 2002 and 2016. The United States and the European Union moved towards similar policies expressed in their respective security strategy documents. The US Security Strategy (USNSS) 2002 published under President George W. Bush preferred preemption, emphasized a unilateral approach, and relied on the use of military force. In contrast the European Security Strategy (ESS) favored multilateral approaches, proliferation prevention, and the use of diplomatic and economic power. With the inauguration of President Barack H. Obama, the direction of US strategic policy changed. The USNSS 2015 expressed a more balanced approach and focused less on military strength to cope with the given security challenges. Simultaneously the new European Union Global Strategy 2016, which replaced the ESS, showed a slightly greater willingness to enlarge its security and defense efforts instead of mainly relying on the EU's diplomatic and economic capabilities. The monograph looks more deeply at these changes to determine whether, under President Obama, the strategies of the European Union and the United States did indeed converge. The analysis is based on three criteria. The first criterion concerns the different understanding of the appropriate actions, whether preventive military operations or preventive political engagement. The second is the role of US national interests versus the EU's desire for international cooperation. The third criterion describes the significance of international law and, strongly related, the relevance of the United Nations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1087263
Entities
People
- Daniel H. Ahaus