The author tries to paint a picture how planetary security could be a possible ‘grand mission’ for the EU and through this, laying a basis for the future of EU foreign, security and defence policy. Next to that within this policy brief, the author looks at how this challenge is likely to change the institutions and policies of the Union and what the EU could look like in 2025 as well as what it should look like.
The European Union faces major challenges regarding its foreign, security and defence policy. In 2020, it is one of the main topics how the EU is going to face China, Russia, and the USA on a geopolitical parquet. The new President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wants to lead a geopolitical commission as she called it herself, and has already called on Europe “to learn the language of power”. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, Germany wants the European Commission to work on “uniting Europe on the inside and strengthening it on the out-side”. Therefore, Germany is helping to find solutions to conflicts and crises and campaigns for a multilateral order based on rules.
Table of Contents
1 Intro
1.1 What is planetary security?
1.2 Why does it matter?
2 Change through the challenge
2.1 Change of institutions
2.2 Change of policies
2.2.1 Foreign policy (CFSP)
2.2.2 Security and defence policy (CSDP)
2.2.3 A grand mission?
3 The EU in 2025
3.1 What will it look like?
3.2 What should it look like?
4 Conclusion
Objective and Core Themes
This policy brief explores the potential of "planetary security" as a defining "grand mission" for the European Union's foreign, security, and defence policies. It investigates how current interconnected global crises, such as climate change and pandemics, necessitate a shift in institutional approaches and policy consolidation to ensure the future security and sustainability of the planet.
- Interconnection of global risks (climate change, pandemics, conflict).
- Transformation of EU foreign and security policy institutions.
- Defining a "grand mission" for European geopolitical positioning.
- Integrating environmental factors into security and defence strategies.
- Future outlook for the European Union in 2025.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 What is planetary security?
Climate change, pandemics, conflict risk through e.g. water shortage, geopolitical developments - this list could be extended with several other issues. Research suggests that many of these issues are interconnected in one way or another (Nordqvist, Krampe, 2018, URL; Ratner, 2018, URL; United Nations, 2020, URL; Unknown author, 2019, URL; Pinner et al., 2020, URL; Barrie et al., 2020, URL). Concluding these facts means that it is not about political interests or national security anymore. It is about the future of humankind and subsequently planetary security (Raul, 2019, URL).
For this policy brief, the working definition of planetary security is the security and defense of the planet, which includes humankind and environment as well as economies and institutions. Planetary security is regarded as a duty of a government, which must recognize the interconnected challenges and threats for humanity.
Summary of Chapters
1 Intro: This chapter introduces the current geopolitical challenges facing the EU and proposes the concept of "planetary security" as a potential strategic "grand mission" for the Union.
2 Change through the challenge: This section examines the necessary institutional and policy adaptations within the EU, specifically analyzing the CFSP and CSDP frameworks in the context of emerging global threats.
3 The EU in 2025: This chapter discusses the desired future trajectory of the EU, suggesting that a unified focus on planetary security could strengthen integration and international influence.
4 Conclusion: The concluding section summarizes the need for further research and reiterates that adopting a mission of planetary security is a logical evolution for the EU as a global actor.
Keywords
Planetary security, European Union, Foreign policy, Security policy, Defence policy, Climate change, Pandemics, Geopolitics, European integration, Sustainability, Crisis prevention, Multilateralism, Grand mission, Environmental protection, Global security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this policy brief?
The brief examines whether "planetary security" can serve as a new, unifying "grand mission" for the European Union's foreign, security, and defence policies in an era of interconnected global risks.
What are the central thematic fields?
The work focuses on the intersection of climate change, pandemics, conflict risks, institutional reform, and the geopolitical strategy of the EU.
What is the core research question?
The primary question is how global challenges will transform EU institutions and policies, and whether a "grand mission" of planetary security can provide the necessary vision and direction for the Union.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper employs a policy analysis approach, examining legislative foundations like the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and synthesizing expert research and think-tank assessments to propose a strategic shift.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of planetary security, the role of EU institutions like the European Council, the status of the CFSP and CSDP, and a normative outlook on the EU's role by 2025.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Planetary security, European Union, Foreign policy, Geopolitics, and European integration.
How does the author define planetary security?
It is defined as the security and defense of the planet, encompassing humankind, the environment, economies, and institutions, viewed as a government's duty.
What role does the COVID-19 pandemic play in the argument?
The pandemic is used as a case study to illustrate how systemic, interconnected threats necessitate greater solidarity and a shift toward holistic security approaches within the EU.
What does the author suggest for the future of EU military capabilities?
The author suggests that military and police forces should align with the maxims of planetary security, potentially laying the foundation for future European Armed Forces.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stefan G. Raul (Autor:in), 2020, Could planetary security be a possible "grand mission" for EU foreign, security and defence policy?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/907354
