Civil-Military Relations in the European Union and "Innere Fuehrung"
Abstract
This thesis investigates the compatibility of sociological and cultural interpretations of the phenomenon of civilian-military relations in the Euro-Atlantic realm within the contemporary challenges of European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). The thesis further describes and analyzes the key features of the German approach of "Innere Fuehrung" with its guiding principle of the "citizen in uniform" -- an ideal with a long European tradition. The thesis argues that conceptual deficiencies and terminological imprecision in the field of civilian-military relations within the European Union, in general, and ESDP, in particular, could lead to problems for European military integration in the future. If these deficiencies are not addressed by those affected by them, the problems of democratic civilian-military affairs in leading European nations could have a significant impact on the evolution and future shape of civilian-military relations in the European Union, in general, and on the role and status of European soldiers, in particular, amid the challenges and threats of the present and future. This thesis answers the question of how well suited the German civilian-military concept and philosophy of "Innere Fuehrung" is to the enhancement of European Union military integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA524746
Entities
People
- Markus Reinhardt
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School