Publisher's Synopsis
This work examines the key elements of Europe's dynamic security framework. It analyzes how European institutions and their policies influence the security of the continent, looking also at the broader political setting, in particular how the development of a "European identity" might influence European security. It aims to bring clarity into the often muddled discussion on European security and elucidates some of the concepts that are central to the current discourse on the topic.;The authors argue that the Cold War gave rise in Western Europe to the creation of a true "security community". In an effort to escape their historically uncomfortable position in the playing field between the western powers and Russia, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are eager to become an integral part of this "political Europe". Both NATO and the European Union have committed themselves to accept new Member states, but where does this enlargement process end? How can we ensure that the Europe to emerge in the coming millennium will suffer from the shortcomings of the Yalta-system of the Cold War? And, how can the West make sure that Russia does not turn its back on Europe but instead becomes a constructive player on the European scene? These are a few examples of questions explored in this book.
