The European Union and Military Force
Governance and Strategy

Assesses the function, successes of and challenges for the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy.

Per M. Norheim-Martinsen (Author)

9781107028906, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 October 2012

242 pages
23.7 x 15.7 x 1.6 cm, 0.51 kg

'As global power flows away from the West to the South and East, can Europe compensate by becoming a more coherent strategic actor? Tracing the development of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), this scholarly and well-structured analysis gives little ground for optimism. [Norheim-Martinsen's] examination of the vaunted 'Comprehensive Approach' to integrating civilian and military power brings out the European capacity to refine theory whilst neglecting to implement it in practice - and to focus on style rather than the 'ends, means and resolve' of effective strategy. 'The window of opportunity for CSDP to consolidate itself … is already closing'; practitioners who share with the author the sense that this would be 'a unique opportunity lost' would do well to read this thoughtful dissection of a policy fast losing credibility.' Nick Witney, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

The Common Security and Defence Policy maps out how the EU – established primarily to be an economic organisation – can purposefully prepare for and apply the use of military force. In this insightful work, Per M. Norheim-Martinsen argues that, since the EU is not a state but nevertheless does embody some non-intergovernmental characteristics, neither EU studies nor strategic studies is sufficient for fully understanding the Policy itself. Combining the two fields, the author utilises the instrumentality and clarity of the strategic approach, while retaining an understanding of the unique character of the EU as a strategic actor. In so doing, he provides a fruitful conceptual framework for analysing the development of the CSDP, how it functions in practice and how it will continue to evolve in the face of the challenges which lie ahead. This book will appeal to scholars and advanced students of European studies, international relations and strategic studies.

1. Introduction: CSDP, strategic actorness and security governance
2. European strategic culture and the comprehensive approach
3. In pursuit of the EU interest: state, individual and institutional agency in CSDP
4. The institutional link: creating a civil-military organisation fit for purpose
5. Building European capabilities: beyond the transatlantic gap
6. CSDP operations: learning through failure or failing to learn
7. Conclusion: a comprehensive strategic actor for the future?

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]