"CFSP and ESDI: US-EU aspects - the necessary fiction"

Duke, Simon. (1997) "CFSP and ESDI: US-EU aspects - the necessary fiction". In: UNSPECIFIED, Seattle, WA. (Unpublished)

Preview

PDF Download (1780Kb) | Preview

Abstract

The idea of a necessary fiction is explored below in a number of interrelated segments. The first section considers the nature of America's self-appointed 'global leadership' role in the post-cold war system, concentrating on the declinist versus global dominance arguments. The second section attempts to consider the Euro-defense debate in the context of overall transatlantic relations. The third section considers the question of whether the U.S. is reorienting its interests away from Europe towards the Pacific Rim. This section concludes by arguing that although Asia presents attractive markets for the U.S., strong economic and cultural links to Europe remain that on balance ensure a central position for Europe and U.S. foreign affairs. The next section considers the issue of whether fractious trade relations between the U.S. and the EU pose a challenge to the formation or enhancement of security ties between the two. It is suggested that the New Transatlantic Agenda may provide a useful vehicle for adjunct to the security dialogue by addressing trade and non-security related concerns. The fifth section examines the background and content of the two grand compromises (NATO's 1990 London Declaration and the January 1994 Brussels summit) that have shaped post-cold war European security. The most significant practical outcome of these compromises is the CJTF concept which, it is argued, has effectively consolidated U.S. leadership in both the NATO context but also, in a de facto manner in the exercise of 'Euro' options. As an interesting, but illustrative aside, the supply and dissemination of intelligence is considered as a significant example of this consolidation. The conclusion argues that the necessary fiction has established a workable modus vivendi where the main interests of the main actors are served and which may also constitute a stable platform for the development of other aspects of transatlantic relations.

Actions (login required)