University:
University of Wyoming
Course:
POLS4215 | European Union
Academic year:

2023
Views:

130

Pages:

1
Author:

Allison B.

This week's readings and course content focused on the Eurozone crisis and defense policy in Europe, both issues showcasing how European countries both in or outside the European Union are able to collaborate in times of turmoil and are mutually dependent on one another economically in some cases and militarily though NATO, politically/economically through OSCE, all falling within Common Foreign Security Policy under the umbrella of European security architecture. Sarotte's “Eurozone Crisis as Historical Legacy”, states that as the European Union continues to work together for the betterment of all member states natural political conflicts and troubles will exist on the furthering integration that is necessary for a closer union to benefit Europe economically and through joint policies. Sarotte believes "... a fundamental problem within the whole European Union: there exists a built-in tension between the lofty goals of integration and member states' collective unpreparedness to think through the consequences of their ambitious project." (4) Anderson/Seitz takes a different, personally fascinating, theoretical approach to ESDP presented to us in our lecture for the week. Instead of primarily considering European defense policy and alliances to occur as a reaction to US action, they suggest ESDP is motivated out of a need for European identity, and is another objective from the European Union to increase support and trust in the EU. A particular argument I found interesting are the economic factors that can exclude some European states from feeling unified under the EU, "... Europeans seem to have little to bind them together. To become a member of the European Union, the country must have a functioning free-market economy, be a functioning democracy, and be on the European continent." (30) Discussion Question: With tensions between Russia and Ukraine heightening this week and the Ukrainian President calling for support to fight "side by side" to protect Europe from Russia ... In your opinion given Ukraine is not a member of NATO, what role (if any) should the NATO or other European Security entities play (if any) were there to be a militarized escalation leading to the invasion of Ukraine?