The New Europe

Security in the New Europe

Security

What does it mean?

General definition: untroubled by danger or fear, safe against attack

In international politics, narrower definition

Centered on war and peace

Referent: a nation-state

The ability of a nation-state to protect its territorial integrity and political independence

Lippman’s defintion points to values as well

A nation is secure to the degree it is not in danger of having to sacrafice its core values, if it wishes to avoid war, and is able, if challenged, to maintain them by victory in war (as cited in Cottey, 6)

**Security = the ability of states to maintain their borders, freedom, independence, and values

Think of some examples of nations that are secure or insecure

Historically, has Europe been secure or insecure?

What European areas/countries have been most secure historically?

In the 20^th Century?

Today?

Soft Security Challenges

Dependence on foreign resources

Environmental degradation

Mass Migration

Transnational organized crime

Pandemics

Is the US, Europe threatened by any of these soft security challenges today?

Theories about Security

Realists

Argue that the anarchic nature of the international system, drives states to compete.

Need a balance of power to maintain peace.

Current era: multi-polar world, unstable. More insecurity.

For Europe in particular?

Liberals

Argue that security is enhanced between countries sharing common democratic values, close economic ties, free trade and international institutions

Current era: globalization has created a high degree of economic interdependence.

For Europe in particular?

Which perspective does Cottey side with?

What are the most important institutional ties binding Europe together?

The European Union: political and economic integration of its members

NATO: collective security of its members (+)

Council of Europe (human rights in all of Europe)

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (security in Europe+)