1st Edition

The European Security Strategy A Global Agenda for Positive Power

By Sven Biscop Copyright 2005

    In December 2003 the EU adopted the European Security Strategy, the first ever common strategic vision of the Member States. This volume examines how the Strategy can form the basis of a comprehensive approach that integrates all dimensions of EU external action, from aid and trade to defence, under the same agenda of 'effective multilateralism' or global governance. This agenda can be translated into the core public goods to which every individual on earth is entitled; promoting access to these global public goods can be the essence of a distinctive European approach emphasizing long-term stabilization and conflict prevention. On that basis, the Strategy can be a global agenda for positive power - global because of its worldwide scope and comprehensive nature - for an EU with effective power to achieve positive objectives. The book will appeal to audiences interested in the EU as an international actor, foreign policy, security and defence, development and trade. It is also suitable for policy makers in the EU institutions and the Member States.

    Contents: Reinventing security; Comprehensive security; A secure neighbourhood; A secure world; Securing the capabilities; Securing implementation; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Sven Biscop

    'In his book, Sven Biscop convincingly explains the historic dimension of recent political developments in the European integration process. He uses an ambitious yet detailed approach, which is much needed to understand the new global role of the European Union...Biscop supports the development of a fresh "strategic culture" in Europe...In doing so, Biscop proposes a European way of dealing with international affairs, which is much needed to tackle the world's threats and challenges.' Martin Ortega, EU Institute for Security Studies, France '...the added value of this book is the author's examination of the challenges the Union faces to implement the strategy...the author argues cogently for a greater EU effort to ensure that "effective multilateralism" do not remain empty words.' Conflict Prevention Partnership '...the text is well structured, written and researched. The European Security Strategy is an important book in developing our understanding of the EU as an international actor.' Political Studies Review