This series delves into the pivotal questions shaping contemporary Europe. It examines the dynamic shifts and challenges confronting the continent within an ever-evolving global landscape. The scope encompasses politics, society, and culture, offering readers profound insights into the intricate nature of European integration and its future trajectory. It serves as an essential resource for understanding Europe's transitional state.
The book explores the significant influence of far-right parties in shaping political discourse, party dynamics, and government policies amid contemporary challenges like global migration and terrorism. It argues that these parties capitalize on national governments' struggles to address pressing issues, allowing them to strategically position themselves within the political landscape.
Defending Europe seeks to clarify the competing ambitions, the contrasting visions and the trans-Atlantic tensions related to the recent quest by Europe for autonomy in the sphere of security and defense. Scholars from both sides of the Atlantic explore the development of ESDI within NATO, the revival of the WEU and the launch of the EU's Common European Security and Defense Policy. Among the issues discussed are the Euro-American capabilities gap, concerns regarding decoupling, discrimination, and duplication, and the complications posed by NATO/EU enlargement. Two contrary conclusions debate whether ESDP is more likely to strengthen or undermine the Atlantic Alliance. This informative foray into trans-Atlantic security and defense issues is a crucial addition to the ongoing dialogue concerning this shifting and evolving relationship.