In light of the recent revival of the Franco-German Axis (Macron-Merkel) and advances in EU Security & Defence policy through PESCO, this thesis provides both a historical and political...Show moreIn light of the recent revival of the Franco-German Axis (Macron-Merkel) and advances in EU Security & Defence policy through PESCO, this thesis provides both a historical and political analysis of the special Franco-German relationship within the EU and its impact on integration by focussing on the policy area of Security & Defence in particular. It uses the theory of rational neo institutionalism to explain the process of EU integration in Security & Defence and the institutionalisation of bilateral relations between France & Germany. It moreover provides a case study in which the actual impact of the Franco-German order will be studied through process tracing of the integration process in security & defence after the Maastricht Treaty. In this case study the dysfunctionalities of the Franco-German engine and the lack of leadership in the area of security & defence is demonstrated in detail. However, the level of influence that both countries can exercise when they act together has been highly significant in the process of European Integration. The qualitative research that upholds this thesis consists of a vast number of academic sources including books, articles, and empirical studies. Next to that a number, of official EU documents and transcripts is used as part of the cases study.. However, this thesis does not fully analyse the vast number of other factors playing a role in the integration process concerning its scope.Show less
The utilization of information as a weapon is not a phenomenon new to the 21st century. The intergovernmentalist nature of the European Union has been a crucial factor, fostering and constraining,...Show moreThe utilization of information as a weapon is not a phenomenon new to the 21st century. The intergovernmentalist nature of the European Union has been a crucial factor, fostering and constraining, the efforts of developing coherent and unified strategies to counter information warfare tactics. The Union has been challenged by Russia’s aggressive information warfare throughout the course of the Ukraine Crisis. The political theater has been undermined by the spread of disinformation and pro-Kremlin propaganda as a result of the conflict in Ukraine mainly aimed at weakening Western powers.Show less
Since the 9/11 attacks, maritime security and ocean governance received intense attention from the international community, maritime organizations, and the maritime industry. Regions of strategic...Show moreSince the 9/11 attacks, maritime security and ocean governance received intense attention from the international community, maritime organizations, and the maritime industry. Regions of strategic importance showed vulnerability in illegal activities from non-state actors. For instance, in the Horn of Africa (HoA), a core transit passage for the maritime industry, piracy skyrocketed. These risks were accompanied by side-effects, such as disruption of international trade or environmental pollution, having an impact both locally and globally. This thesis explores EU’s initiatives for maritime security and ocean governance. This thesis will prove whether EU’s foreign policy influenced the recent EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) and the role of EUMSS in EU’s naval missions to tackle piracy in HoA, EUNAVFOR Operation Atlanta and EUCAP Nestor.Show less
