| The 'European Pillar' metaphor encapsulates two contending analyses of, or visions for, the management of European security. These analyses or visions are referred to as regional security regimes, a concept explored in some detail. The orthodox position, referred to as the Atlantic security regime, revolves around NATO. This study hypothesizes that a newer, European security regime is emerging with the WEU as its focus. In order to test this idea, patterns of decision-making and action by European states are considered in two cases involving the Persian Gulf: the 'tanker war' of 1987-1988 and the Gulf Crisis of 1990-1991.; Findings in the two cases are consistent with the conclusion that European activities reinforce the Atlantic regime. However, the cases also provide evidence that European states are moving toward the closer cooperation and collective action in defence of their interests that would characterize a European regime. European states have demonstrated an ability to apply in their new endeavours the lessons of collective action learned through experiences in both NATO and the EC. The extent of that movement is limited by the inability or unwillingness of European states to cede the sovereignty necessary to create a coordinating military infrastructure. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
