Britain, France and Germany: Priorities for the European Union's Security and Defense Policy
Abstract
This thesis analyzes areas of consensus and distinctiveness in the security and defense policies of the European Union's (EU) three big powers: Britain, France, and Germany. Owing in part to divergent historical experiences in the 20th century and before, Britain, France, and Germany have retained distinct national interests. These interests, in combination with each country's individual security cultures, have determined British, French, and German priorities for the European Union's Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). Germany has advocated the concept of "civilian power Europe," while Britain and France have sought to strengthen the EU's military capabilities. Furthermore, London and Paris continue to have national security objectives that are not reflected in the ESDP. While Germany's security and defense agenda beyond NATO is almost entirely supported by the ESDP, Britain and France pursue security and defense policy agendas outside the European Union's framework on a national basis. However, there are signs of convergence in the views of London, Paris, and Berlin. Examples include the general consensus on threat perceptions, the more compatible policies toward NATO, the limited progress in the European Union headquarters debate, the conduct of several civilian and military ESDP operations, and the very existence of the December 2003 European Security Strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA514324
Entities
People
- Lars Zimmermann
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School