SE 521 FRAGMENTATION VS. INTEGRATION
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce you to changes in the
socio-political and economic climate in Europe since the end of
the Cold War. The lesson provides thought provoking information
on the major factors that have led to the reshaping of Central
and Eastern Europe's political boundaries. The lesson also addresses
the resurgence of nationalism and ethnic/cultural tension that
has caused the fragmentation of traditional states and alliances.
While many emergent nations struggle to find their place in the
New World Order, the viability and purpose of the larger organizations,
such as the European Union and NATO, have been called into question.
OUTLINE:
Thesis: While much of the world, including the US, is experiencing
internal fragmentation of the nation-state, there is strong international
pressure toward economic integration. NAFTA, and other such economic
agreements, integrate nations that are, in other respects, facing
fragmentation.
Main Point I: Historically, culturally, economically and
politically, Western Europe and North America have shared many
common interests and values. The collapse of the Soviet Union
and the subsequent drawdown of military forces have led to new
debates on the purpose and structure of NATO and other alliances.
a. With the lack of perceived threat, West European nations are
concentrating increasingly on internal problems and economic issues.
b. The changing political and economic climate in Europe has prompted
many states to reassess the nature and structure of alliances
in the region.
c. It is important to recognize the significance of Europe to
America's economic prosperity, security and alliances.
Main Point II: The fragmentation of states and the reemergence
of nationalist feelings throughout Europe have combined to destabilize
the strategic environment. Despite this pressure, the European
Union remains a formidable economic and political power.
a. Some West European states are now looking within Europe for closer economic and political links at the expense of the traditional transatlantic relationships.
b. Economic factors are becoming increasingly important as new
markets open up in the East.
Main Point III: Since the end of the Cold War, Western Europe has taken on more responsibility for its own defense and security. The formation of the Franco-German Brigade outside the NATO command structure is one example of European cooperation.
Main Point IV: The future of economic agreements is not
certain nor is it certain that they can be the basic organic building
blocks of a new world order.
LESSON INTEGRATION AND RATIONALE:
The lesson concentrates on the effects of fragmentation and integration
during this time of turbulent change. As part of the second phase
of the Strategic Environment course, this lecture will complement
lessons SE-522, 523 and 524 to give a global perspective on viewing
the strategic environment.
SE COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Comprehend the characteristics of the contemporary strategic environment.
Comprehend different conceptual frameworks which help us analyze the nature of the strategic environment.
Know that major regional issues and relationships shape the strategic environment.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
521.1 Comprehend the complexity of the cultural, economic and
socio-political factors which influence the fragmentation of states
by examining the forging of alliances in the European region.
521.11 Distinguish the current socio-political, economic
and cultural issues in Central and Eastern Europe which have an
impact on the relationships between the regional actors.
There have been several factors which affect the relationships
between the Central and Eastern European countries which must
be considered. Foremost has been :
* "The collapse of the Soviet Union caused tectonic
shifts in the international system. These shifts resulted in the
disintegration of several states and the resurgence of long-suppressed
ethnic and nationalist tensions that often burst into violent
conflict" .(Balanzino)
* Russia; Because Russia remains the single most powerful
military force in Europe, building a new security framework in
Europe requires its active participation and constructive engagement.
The developments in Bosnia reaffirmed that a security structure
cannot be built without Russia, much less against her.
* The role of NATO; NATO is a cold War institution with
a Bi-polar view of the world. Europe is still organized for the
Cold War. Some have believe that NATO's role must change from
military to political. However, with EU imperatives for NATO to
play a major role in Bosnia and with the importance attached to
NATO expansion by both NATO and the EU advocates, little enthusiasm
exists for an immediate transfer of defense responsibility from
NATO to the EU and/or WEU. (Krupnick)
Following the collapse of the Warsaw pact, many believed NATO's
mission had been achieved. However, with the end of the Cold War
bipolar system, the United Nations has become overwhelmed with
an ever-increasing demand for crisis prevention and conflict resolution.
No institution can cope alone with this new wave of insecurity.
Major conflicts such as the one in the former Yugoslavia require
close cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations
or arrangements-such as NATO. (Balanzino)
* Collapse of the former Yugoslavia: has led to Europe's
bloodiest conflict since World War II, revealing the inadequacy
of traditional approaches to dealing with ethnic crises. The war
in Bosnia demonstrated the impossibility of achieving political
influence without military strength. (Balanzino) Bosnia
remains a divided country split between ethnic purists and multiculturalists
dedicated to the idea of what Bosnia should become. (Introduction
to Europe)
* Collapse of the European Monetary System (EMS)
slowed meaningful progress toward integration. The revised deadline
for monetary union is 1999. One criterion for meeting this new
deadline is stable exchange rates in member countries. * Presently,
at least 60 percent of Germans oppose the mark's replacement by
some form of Eurocurrency. France's paralyzing worker strikes
throughout the fall of 1995, in response to announced plans to
change public sector pensions, cut public spending on health care,
and restructure the state-owned railways, suggest that the French,
and possibly other electorates, may not be ready to accept the
reforms necessary to reach the formal criteria for a monetary
union. (Introduction to Europe)
* France: While moving to Europeanize defense and intelligence
policies, France continues a long-standing effort to maintain
French as a language of France's cultural diplomacy. France retains
a desire to remain a major world power. (Introduction to Europe)
* NON -PROLIFERATION; The diplomatic struggle over the
inspection of North Korean nuclear facilities has underscored
a development that, especially since the Gulf War, can no longer
be ignored: the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is
becoming a central security issue.
521.2 Comprehend that changing socio-political and economic
climates can effect alliances of the future.
521.21 Comprehend the socio-political and economic European
trends and their likely impact on transatlantic relationships.
Expansion of The European Union (EU). Membership in the
European Union grew to 15 with the incorporation of Austria, Sweden,
and Finland in 1995. In December 1995, the European Parliament
finally approved the EU's customs union with Turkey in a vote
that had been held up due to concerns over Turkey's human-rights
record. In all, the EU envisioned adding another 10 or 12 new
members to the current 15 before or soon after the turn of the
century.
Revised use of NATO; NATO remains the at the center stage of
European security. The end of 1995 marked a turning point
in efforts by Europeans and Americans to use the NATO framework
to end the war in Bosnia. The efforts resulted in more changes
to the way the Atlantic Alliance works in recent years than anything
in its 46-year history. At a meeting of NATO's foreign and defense
ministers in Brussels in December 1995, member states agreed to
send a 60,000-strong Implementation Force (IFOR) to Bosnia to
police the Dayton Agreement. (Introduction to Europe).
The NATO Combined Joint Task Forces (CJTF); the CJTF is
based on the US joint task force concept and would modify alliance
procedures so that military units, staffs, and equipment could
be separated from the integrated command and force structure to
meet anticipated post-Cold War requirements more effectively.
CJTF missions might include peacekeeping and peacetime contingency
operations such as humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and minor
crisis intervention.
Three Scenarios for Europe:
1. Europe without NATO.
2. Europe with only a token US presence; NATO relegated to the defense of it's members.
3. Europe with a strong NATO. A NATO that not only ensures the
defense of its members but also projects stability to others,
prevents and manages crises, and engages Russia in a cooperative
relationship. This outward-looking Europe will be a real partner
of the United States in resolving the problems that confront us
all. This is Europe we are striving to realize. (Balanzino)
READINGS:
Solomon, Gerald, Blessings of Liberty: A Wider NATO and Soon
Krupnick, Charles, Europe Without the United States?
Introduction to Europe
Balanzino, Sergio Silvio, Adapting the Alliance: Restructuring
NATO after the Cold War
READING RATIONALE:
Solomon advocates expanding NATO while the Krupnick article concentrates on European defense and security concerns. The Introduction to Europe article provides some background on current West European interests. Finally, the Balanzino article concentrates on transatlantic security issues with a focus on the future role of NATO.