Europe and Global Security

General question The aim of the section would be to examine the role of Europe (European states and European organisations, especially but not only the EU) in addressing global security challenges, particularly in the context of the post-September 11th 2001 world and the recent shifts in US foreign policy. To date, most debates about European security have focused on security within Europe. In the wake of the 11th September 2001 terrorist attacks, it has becoming increasingly clear that the likelihood of war within Europe is relatively low, whereas new security problems are arising from beyond Europe. There has so far been little concerted academic analysis of the nature and implications of this shift. This section would therefore aim to bring together security specialists to analysis the changing nature of European security at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The section would aim to analyse the implications of these shifts for key European security organisations, namely NATO and the EU, as well as the response of individual European states to the changing global security environment. It would also explore specific global security challenges, such as proliferation, peacekeeping/intervention and ‘soft’/non-military security, and their implications for Europe. The section would additionally address the future of transatlantic relations, especially in the context of recent shifts in US foreign policy. Major scientific debate/controversy There has been little concerted analysis of the role of European states and organisations in managing global security problems. This section would address this debate by exploring (1) the strategic choices open to European states in this area, (2) the factors shaping these choices and (3) the implications of these choices. Call for papers The section welcomes paper proposals on all aspects of Europe and global security. Proposals should be sent to Dr. Andrew Cottey (a.cottey@ucc.ie) and/or to individual panel chairs.