Jerzy Biziewski - Böcker

This book argues that security and defense have never been true priorities in the European Union, and have constantly been marginalized by the elites since the Soviet Union collapsed and the Warsaw Pact disintegrated. Despite the official rhetoric, only a few tangible results can be presented concerning the operational readiness of European forces, and the EU’s inability to act was proven during the crises in the Balkans, NATO has experienced similar problems, as the majority of its members are EU countries. Both organizations have declared their resolve concerning the security and defense of their nations and territories, but, unfortunately, little has been done to lend these statements credence.In this context, the book analyzes several aspects of EU security and defense, including: the EU – NATO relationship, common defense policy and strategy, common capability building, common understanding of strategic changes, common operational planning and centrally synchronized exercises based on operational planning, etc. The member states have helped to make EU/NATO effective organizations, but unfortunately their individual interests and priorities constitute real challenges. This aspect should be discussed and addressed by political and military elites, scholars, analysts, students and the general public alike.

This book argues that security and defense have never been true priorities in the European Union, and have constantly been marginalized by the elites since the Soviet Union collapsed and the Warsaw Pact disintegrated. Despite the official rhetoric, only a few tangible results can be presented concerning the operational readiness of European forces, and the EU’s inability to act was proven during the crises in the Balkans, NATO has experienced similar problems, as the majority of its members are EU countries. Both organizations have declared their resolve concerning the security and defense of their nations and territories, but, unfortunately, little has been done to lend these statements credence.In this context, the book analyzes several aspects of EU security and defense, including: the EU – NATO relationship, common defense policy and strategy, common capability building, common understanding of strategic changes, common operational planning and centrally synchronized exercises based on operational planning, etc. The member states have helped to make EU/NATO effective organizations, but unfortunately their individual interests and priorities constitute real challenges. This aspect should be discussed and addressed by political and military elites, scholars, analysts, students and the general public alike.

This book discusses some of the strategic lines in front of the trends related to the new challenges of global security in this new century: some rather universal problems (migration,  terrorism, cyberspace, conflict resolutions techniques in prisons, economic intelligence), as well as more military ones (new conflicts: new world stage, new weapons, new military doctrines, mass destruction weapons and nuclear arms control, outer space and ocean depths), without forgetting some global and conceptual topics (disintegration is driving insecurity, searching for quality in international affairs, shield of security culture through data protection, information society and the protective influence of security culture). A special focus is put on Europe's interests. The unique, complex process of integration of European states is confronted by various problems caused by the implementation of different political visions presented by the factions of the European Union's establishment. The diverse interpretation of the goals and paths of development of this organization leads to the violation of its cohesion, which is used by global partners with the opportunity to broaden their influence and achieve their own goals by playing European countries individually. There is a need for the EU to go further to achieve a deeper level of integration and strategic autonomy which would allow for the implementation of a coherent policy towards the powers.