In contrast to Taylor the author Guido Lenzi sees already in 1998 a need for a reform of the security framework between NATO, WEU and EU. His main line of reasoning is the changing security world. Especially since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 his ar-gumentation gained further relevance: present wars in Afghanistan and Iraq pose new tasks and defiances to military forces around the globe – for NATO’s and also European military alliances. The European Common Foreign and Security Policy celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, but still the European Union is not able to act as one actor. Various Commissioners are involved; there is a High Repre-sentative for Foreign Relations and each member state acts also on the international scene. Especially cooperation in the field of defence is highly underdeveloped. However, a lot of progress was made in the past years and since Nice the integration in this field has accelerated. Furthermore Lenzi argues that the perception of security of the Europeans has changed. Fortified by the war in Iraq Europeans claim the need for a from the US independent military power.
Today nearly all members – no matter which status – of the WEU are members of the EU; except for three: Iceland, Norway and Turkey - but these are NATO members. Military alliances have different levels of responsibility and activity. Also the role of neutral countries in the WEU is a consideration for future developments. So, be-sides the two structural poles of Taylor’s vanishing WEU and Lenzi’s need for reform, there is the attached difficulty of the membership structure of the institution.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Integrating the Western European Union
- II.1. From Maastricht until Today
- II.2. The WEU's Role in the Security World
- II.3. Not a Triangle anymore?
- III. Membership-Perspective
- IV. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the future of the Western European Union (WEU), considering its role in a post-Cold War security landscape increasingly shaped by the European Union and NATO. The analysis draws upon arguments from Simon Taylor and Guido Lenzi to explore the WEU's evolving relevance.
- The WEU's diminishing role in light of EU expansion and NATO restructuring.
- The transfer of responsibilities from the WEU to the EU.
- The changing security environment and its impact on the WEU.
- Analysis of the WEU's membership structure and its implications.
- Comparison of the WEU with similar structures in the EU and NATO.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the WEU's relatively low profile within the EU framework. It establishes the central question of the essay: whether the WEU is an institution without a future. The chapter introduces contrasting viewpoints, referencing articles by Simon Taylor who predicted the WEU's demise, and Guido Lenzi, who advocated for reform. The essay's methodology, focusing on three different perspectives, is also outlined, providing a roadmap for the subsequent analysis.
II. Integrating the Western European Union: This chapter delves into the historical integration of the WEU, focusing on developments from Maastricht (1992) onwards. It summarizes Taylor's argument that the WEU’s future is bleak due to the EU's increasing absorption of its responsibilities. The chapter then examines the evolution of European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) within the context of a triangular relationship between the EU, NATO, and the WEU. The narrative traces the shift of defense responsibilities from the WEU to the EU, noting that despite Taylor’s prediction of its demise, the WEU remained active, albeit with a changing role. The chapter also highlights the importance of the WEU’s position within the broader European security architecture. The St. Malo declaration of 1998 is described as a pivotal moment that accelerated the EU's involvement in defense and the process of integrating the WEU’s functions into the EU.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Western European Union (WEU), European Union (EU), NATO, European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), security, defense, military, integration, membership, reform, post-Cold War, harmonization, cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Western European Union (WEU) Essay Preview
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay analyzing the future of the Western European Union (WEU) in a post-Cold War context. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the essay?
The essay examines the WEU's role in a security landscape increasingly shaped by the European Union (EU) and NATO. Key themes include the WEU's diminishing role due to EU expansion and NATO restructuring, the transfer of responsibilities from the WEU to the EU, the changing security environment's impact on the WEU, the WEU's membership structure, and a comparison of the WEU with similar structures in the EU and NATO.
What is the central question addressed in the essay?
The central question is whether the WEU is an institution without a future.
Which perspectives are considered in the essay?
The essay draws upon contrasting viewpoints from Simon Taylor, who predicted the WEU's demise, and Guido Lenzi, who advocated for reform. The analysis also incorporates a broader perspective, considering the role of the EU and NATO. The essay uses three different perspectives to analyze the WEU’s future.
What is the methodology of the essay?
The essay employs a comparative and analytical approach, examining the WEU's historical development and its current position within the broader European security architecture. It uses the perspectives of Taylor and Lenzi and considers the changing security landscape.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
Chapter I: Introduction sets the stage, highlighting the WEU's low profile and introducing contrasting viewpoints on its future. Chapter II: Integrating the Western European Union delves into the historical integration of the WEU from Maastricht onwards, focusing on the transfer of responsibilities to the EU and the role of the St. Malo declaration.
What are the key terms used in the essay?
Key terms include Western European Union (WEU), European Union (EU), NATO, European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), security, defense, military, integration, membership, reform, post-Cold War, harmonization, and cooperation.
What is the significance of the St. Malo declaration (1998)?
The St. Malo declaration is presented as a pivotal moment that accelerated the EU's involvement in defense and the process of integrating the WEU’s functions into the EU.
What is the overall conclusion suggested by the preview?
The preview suggests an analysis of the evolving role of the WEU, considering its declining influence in the face of EU and NATO developments, and whether it can adapt and find a new purpose or if it is destined for obsolescence.
- Quote paper
- Hannah Cosse (Author), 2007, Western European Union - An organization without future?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/70288