The Road to European Military Cooperation: Exploring Obstacles and Conditions for Joint Development. A qualitative study on the main obstacles and conditions contributing to the slow and difficult progress in improving the nexus between European policy and military capabilities
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2020-02-02
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en
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For years European defence cooperation has been in turmoil. Against the background of threats from Russia, Northern Africa and the Middle East, the member states of the European Union are divided regarding the development objectives of the Common Security and Defence Policy and military capabilities. This has resulted in a slow and difficult progress in improving the nexus between European policy and military capabilities. This study focuses on explaining this process by exploring the relationship between European policy and European military capabilities, and the obstacles and conditions that influence the improvement of the nexus. Relevant policy documents have been analysed and interpreted in light of theories on strategic cultures and military innovation, resulting in a matrix reflecting the strengths and weaknesses with regard to improvement. The progress in military capability development over the past two decades is explained, illustrating that development has made progress, yet not living up to its potential. The obstacles and conditions that influence the process are multiple. However, the differences in strategic cultures and financial circumstances have the greatest impact on improving the nexus; divergent perceptions of member states and insufficient investments are holding back the consensus on policy and capability development.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen