International Peacekeeping · 2004 · 20 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesInternational RelationsStrategyInternational OrganizationsInternational SecurityInternational StrategyEuropean IntegrationEuropean Security StudiesMilitary DoctrineMilitary OperationsMilitary SecurityMilitary StrategyEuropean Security PolicyEuropean Security RelationsForce Structure DoctrineForce Structure PlanningMilitary Force DesignNato RelationsNato Security RelationsOperationalization
Europe's military capabilities have long been underestimated and undervalued. Now the failure of the US-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq to establish long-term security may lead to a reappraisal of these capabilities. European military cooperation has suffered from lack of focus, with no common understanding of Europe's interests, values and vision. The European security strategy may finally provide such a focus. There has been a convergence between EU and NATO force structures. Continuing this trend, the EU force structure should develop in close coordination with NATO. Successful military operationalization of the ESS, however, will require the development of specific European military concepts qualitatively different from those underpinning US military development.