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.