Description
Book SynopsisThis full-term study of the Western European Union (WEU) brings to life the history of Europeâs search for a co-operative security and defence order, from its post World War II origins to the present day. Establishing the WEU as a support organization, designed to promote the two security ideas of collective defence and integration through the primary organizations of Alliance and Community, this book offers a window onto the challenges faced in the development and management of NATO and the evolving EC/EU over time. As the WEUâs historical journey unfolds, the frequently competing visions of the future organization of the European security space are exposed in the fluctuating nature of its own functional evolution and devolution. A hybrid organization driven by its dual support role, the constructively ambiguous and conveniently autonomous WEU was to provide a mechanism through which divergent interests could converge and inherent tensions be relieved, preventing NATO and EC/EU sta
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. Birth of the Union: 1945 – 1955 2. From Activity to Dormancy: 1955 – 1973 3. The Path to Revitalization: 1973 – 1989 4. Post-Cold War Challenges and Opportunities: 1989 – 1997 5. The Final Compromise: 1997-2011 6. Conclusions
