Network Politics in Transatlantic Homeland Security Cooperation

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the development of the EU border security policies through the prism of the EU–US homeland security cooperation in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. As the case of the EU-US homeland security illustrates, international developments provide the context for the European policies to take shape. The case of the Passenger Name Record negotiations elucidates the evolution of the transatlantic networks universe – from the one based on geographical and political criteria (i.e. EU versus US, European institutions versus US institutions) towards functionally based networks (i.e. ‘transatlantic diplomats’ versus ‘transatlantic security specialists’, ‘transatlantic executives’ versus ‘transatlantic legislatives’). It also shows that this shift takes place within a highly political process whereby actions and decisions evolve around network membership, centrality of actors and a particular role of bureaucrats. Finally, this article shows how the European approach to the use of personal data for security purposes emerges from interactions between the geographical and functional networks and allegiances that membership in those networks imply. This allows for certain ambivalence and ambiguity in the interpretation of actors' position. The article demonstrates that the European security debate is developing beyond the control of any single actor.