Learn More about the Book
Examining the interplay between geopolitics, the strategic priorities of Europe's most powerful nations, Britain, Germany and France, and the evolution of NATO and CSDP, this book unveils the mechanics of the tension between conflict and cooperation that lies at the heart of European security politics.
About the Book
European countries have much in common. They are geographically and culturally close and they all face the problem of relative weakness vis-a-vis larger actors. However, while their many similarities lead them to cooperate, their geopolitical differences and specificities translate into conflicting priorities over how to arrange the terms of cooperation. European security is hence defined by a powerful tension between conflict and cooperation. And Europe's most powerful countries largely delineate the mechanics of such tension. By examining the interplay between geopolitical change, British, French and German grand strategy and the evolution of NATO and the European Union's (EU) Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) between 2001 and 2010, this book seeks to shed light on the nature and evolution of European security. Only by examining the grand strategies of Europe's most powerful countries can we get a sense of their interests. However, in order to properly grasp the nature and evolution of such interests we must observe how they play out at the level of specific debates. Very often, it is only when it comes to organising the specific terms of cooperation that conflicting priorities can be properly appreciated. Herein lies the importance of the EU-NATO conundrum. Throughout the 2001-2010 period, NATO and CSDP remained the best thermometers of the powerful tension between conflict and cooperation that defines European security. This book is thus fundamental reading for students, academics and practitioners with an interest in European security, geopolitics, NATO and CSDP."
Review Quotes
1. With judicious and critical insight Luis Simon explains the dialectic between geography and geopolitics and the dialogue between NATO and the EU . The author has managed in a single volume to capture the highly contested and complex nature of both, as well as to explain how both may well determine the political future of the West. - Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science "This valuable book illuminates the central roles of Britain, France, and Germany in shaping NATO and the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy through the pursuit of their national geostrategic interests. It skillfully takes into account economic as well as political-military dimensions of security. Luis Simon's analysis is incisive, perceptive, and well-grounded in empirical data." - David S. Yost, Professor, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California "The future of Europe is a big question mark on the geopolitical landscape of the next decades. This book cogently examines how three European powers Germany, France, and Great Britain have developed their grand strategies during and after the Cold War, in particular in relation to NATO and the EU." - Jakub Grygiel, George H.W. Bush Senior Associate Professor of International Relations, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University"
2.
With judicious and critical insight Luis Simon explains the dialectic between geography and geopolitics and the dialogue between NATO and the EU . The author has managed in a single volume to capture the highly contested and complex nature of both, as well as to explain how both may well determine the political future of the West.
- Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science
"This valuable book illuminates the central roles of Britain, France, and Germany in shaping NATO and the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy through the pursuit of their national geostrategic interests. It skillfully takes into account economic as well as political-military dimensions of security. Luis Simon's analysis is incisive, perceptive, and well-grounded in empirical data."
- David S. Yost, Professor, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California
"The future of Europe is a big question mark on the geopolitical landscape of the next decades. This book cogently examines how three European powers Germany, France, and Great Britain have developed their grand strategies during and after the Cold War, in particular in relation to NATO and the EU."
- Jakub Grygiel, George H.W. Bush Senior Associate Professor of International Relations, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University"
3.
With judicious and critical insight Luis Simon explains the dialectic between geography and geopolitics and the dialogue between NATO and the EU . The author has managed in a single volume to capture the highly contested and complex nature of both, as well as to explain how both may well determine the political future of the West.
- Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science
"This valuable book illuminates the central roles of Britain, France, and Germany in shaping NATO and the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy through the pursuit of their national geostrategic interests. It skillfully takes into account economic as well as political-military dimensions of security. Luis Simon's analysis is incisive, perceptive, and well-grounded in empirical data."
- David S. Yost, Professor, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California
"The future of Europe is a big question mark on the geopolitical landscape of the next decades. This book cogently examines how three European powers Germany, France, and Great Britain have developed their grand strategies during and after the Cold War, in particular in relation to NATO and the EU."
- Jakub Grygiel, George H.W. Bush Senior Associate Professor of International Relations, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
"
