This thesis examines the changing nature of NATO from 1999 to 2014 and argues that the power balance between NATO and the EU within shifted. By using Cesa's theoretical framework of alliance types,...Show moreThis thesis examines the changing nature of NATO from 1999 to 2014 and argues that the power balance between NATO and the EU within shifted. By using Cesa's theoretical framework of alliance types, this thesis argues that a reduced difference in capabilities due to EU defence integration has led NATO to become a "concertt" alliance. This change away from a "hegemonic" alliance, with the USA as hegemon, has increased the likeliness of misaligned interests and friction between the two powerful allies.Show less
This Thesis tests Meyer’s and Strickmann’s (2011) International Relations (IR) theoretical framework on the material-ideational nexus in European defence against a case with extraordinary evidence...Show moreThis Thesis tests Meyer’s and Strickmann’s (2011) International Relations (IR) theoretical framework on the material-ideational nexus in European defence against a case with extraordinary evidence of material change: the European defence sector after the Cold War (1989–1999). The aim is to investigate how the interplay of material and ideational factors shaped European armament cooperation in this period. Furthermore, the author seeks to derive policy recommendations for the ongoing European Union (EU) defence integration process, also said to be driven by material change. The Thesis finds that the stark post-Cold War material challenges did lead to an ideational shift towards closer European armament cooperation. This shift, however, was not as pronounced as it could have been, considering the magnitude of material change and scope for collaboration. Additionally, material pressures exacerbated existing tensions between different actors and interests in the defence domain. For the current EU defence integration process, this implies that the cohesive effects of material change should not be taken for granted. Instead, a more unitary and comprehensive institutional structure is needed, which still accommodates the different capacities and preferences of member states regarding European armament cooperation.Show less
After years of integration in other sectors, the member states decided to include foreign and defence policy to EU cooperation. Therefore, it is now, after a few decades, a good moment to look...Show moreAfter years of integration in other sectors, the member states decided to include foreign and defence policy to EU cooperation. Therefore, it is now, after a few decades, a good moment to look critically at what has been achieved in this sector of EU defence cooperation. With this reason, this thesis will approach the question, why do the member states want defence integration to happen in smaller groups? This question can be split in multiple sub-questions. Firstly, could reaction of the member states be out of discontent of how cooperation is functioning on a EU-level? Secondly, does the EU allow the member states to continue in smaller groups, instead of moving forward as a Union? These question will be approached by using a variety of documents. For example, not only the EU perspective but also the national interests of member states and the vision of experts on defence integration should be taken into consideration as well as useful sources for this thesis. Furthermore by looking at theories of defence integration in the EU, such as, Institutionalism, constructivism and realist theory, this thesis will try to find the motives for defence integration. Using the patterns of the theory will make it easier to analyse and compare the cases that will be included in this thesis. The three selected cases are from a different scale. From cooperation on a Union-level to bilateral cooperation and integration. As a result, this thesis has to add additional information and perspectives on the integration of defence within the EU.Show less
