Defending Eastern Europe: The Defense Policies of New NATO and Eu Member States

This book examines the changed security conditions of new member states of NATO and the EU in 2019, analyzing how membership has improved defense protection and identifying areas where individual states still need improvement. It utilizes alliance politics theory, convergence/divergence theory, and defense policy theory to provide an assessment of defense policies in the region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Following the passage of the fifteenth and twentieth anniversaries of the entry of many former communist states into both NATO and the EU in 2019, this book takes a comprehensive look at the changed security conditions of these new member states. How has NATO and EU membership improved their overall defense protection, and what elements are still missing for them on an individual state basis?

Utilizing alliance politics theory, convergence/divergence theory, and defense policy theory, the book provides an invaluable assessment of defense policies, from the stable East Central European states to the most jeopardized Baltic states in the north of Europe. With chapters on the Cold War defense conditions during the last two decades of Soviet domination, post-1989–91 transformations in the direction of democracy, and the impact of the 2014 Ukraine–Russia–Crimea crisis, this book is essential reading for those seeking to understand the changed landscape of European politics in the twenty-first century.

The book begins by examining the historical background of NATO and the EU, including their origins, goals, and achievements. It then explores the security challenges faced by these new member states, including terrorism, organized crime, and regional instability. The book also examines the role of NATO and the EU in promoting stability and security in the region, including through peacekeeping operations and the development of defense capabilities.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of NATO and the EU on the individual member states. The book argues that while these organizations have provided a framework for defense cooperation and security, they have also created challenges for some states. For example, some states have struggled to integrate into the NATO and EU structures, while others have faced resistance from their neighbors or other actors. The book also examines the role of individual member states in shaping the security policies of NATO and the EU, including through their participation in decision-making processes and their contributions to military operations.

Another key theme of the book is the changing nature of security threats in the region. The book argues that while traditional security threats such as terrorism and organized crime remain important, new threats such as cyber-security and hybrid warfare are emerging. The book also examines the role of NATO and the EU in responding to these new threats, including through the development of new policies and the deployment of military assets.

The book concludes by examining the future of NATO and the EU in the region. The book argues that while these organizations will continue to play an important role in promoting stability and security, they will also face challenges in the years to come. For example, the rise of authoritarianism in some countries and the increasing competition for resources in the region will challenge the ability of NATO and the EU to maintain their influence. The book also examines the potential for new alliances and partnerships to emerge in the region, including between NATO and the EU and between NATO and other regional actors.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the changed security conditions of NATO and the EU in the twenty-first century. It is essential reading for those seeking to understand the complex dynamics of European politics and the role of NATO and the EU in promoting stability and security in the region.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526171870