Topic 1: Evolution of the European order: towards a security community? Flashcards
Peace treaties of Westphalia (1648)
End of Thirty years War
Emergence of Modern State:
* The State as the top political institution in the international system
Vienna Congress (1814-5)
European realignment after Napoleon I empire defeat.
Creation of the European States System (UK, Austria, Prussia, Russia and France, that one from 1818 onwards) - restoration of the Absolutist Ancient regime (pre-French Revolution) and creation of the Holly Alliance (Austria, Prussia and Russia)
New principles of the international system: (1) legitimacy; (2) intervention; (3) balance of power
Reaction: Liberal revolutions and nationalism
Bipolar Europe (1945-50)
- Control of European security from outside Europe (USA and USSR)
- “German problem” replaced by “Soviet problem”
- BoP managed through spheres of influence (NATO and Warsaw Pact).
- Bipolar international system
Communitarian Europe (1950-2018)
- Its development is in parallel to bipolar Europe.
- Goal: creation of a “Security Community”. Two kind of SC: amalgamated vs. pluralists
- New supranational processes as an attempt to modify the State of anarchy of the 20th C European system
- New institutions that foster cooperation (spill over)
- Modification of security perceptions between France and Germany
Frontiers of Europe
just after the end of Cold War there were 4 visions about the frontiers of Europe:
* From the Atlantic to the Ural mountains (continental Europe: UK and USA out). European vs. Transatlantic security.
- From Portugal to Poland (USA and Russia out: reassertion of European identity). Germany as the main axis. Russia considered an Asian power
- Western Europe (EU): around an institution (USA and Russia out). Creation of a Security Community: shared interests, identities, values and means.
- Extended Europe (OSCE) (from Vancouver to Vladivostok): wider security configuration existing in Europe (includes USA, Canada and Russia).
