This book explores the multilayer nexus among inter-related international and regional security parameters that critically define the EU's rapidly changing security environment. In terms of intensity, complexity and urgency these changes constitute challenges that threaten the very core of European security - both internal and external. In a fluid and transitional international environment of diversified needs and polymorphic threats the space dimension acquires a novel unified meaning. The book closely examines the EU's current strategic, organisational and defence capabilities regarding global, regional and domestic challenges such as terrorism, systemic instability, global order and a number of crucial hindrances to transatlantic cooperation. The chapters offer not only valuable theoretical insights, but also unique perspectives on operational and organisational elements of EU applied policies based on the testimonies of field experts. The combination of theory-based approaches and the demonstration of the EU's operational capabilities and weaknesses as externalized through its global strategy choices provide an overall evaluation of adopted policies and their effects. This is crucial in a global transition period that will define the EU's role and its potential to produce desired outcomes through synergies with its strategic allies.

Autorentext
George Voskopoulos holds BA degrees from Brock University (Canada) and the Ionian University (Greece), an MA in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lancaster University (UK), and a PhD in European Studies from Exeter University's Centre for European Studies. He is an Associate Professor of European Studies and former Head of the Department of International and European Studies, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece. Currently he is an editorial board member of a number of international journals.

Inhalt
Part I: The EU Internal External Security Nexus.- Soft Power, European Security Strategy and Radicalism: Cultural, Religious and Dimensional Challenges.- The Strategic Context of the European Security and Defence Policy.- Securitization: Theoretical Underpinnings and Implications.- Small EU Member States and the European Security and Defence Integration.- Part II: EU Operations: From the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) to the European External Action Service (EEAS).- EU Peace Operations in a Changing World: A Multilayer Evaluation.- European Participation in International Operations: National Decision-Making and the Role of EU Institutions.- The European External Action Service: An Encompassing and Adaptive Agency at the Service of the EU Global Security Strategy?.- The Evolving Role of FRONTEX in Implementing an EU Comprehensive Approach on Security.- The Role of the European Commission / DG ECHO in Crisis Response and Institutional Cooperation for an EU Comprehensive Approach.- Part III: EU, Russia and Transatlantic Challenges.- Russia's Challenges to International Security and the Western Response.- West v. Russia: A Role for Diplomacy.- Transatlantic Relations at a Time of Uncertainty: The Formation of Transatlantic Axis.- Augmenting European Security and Defence: A Multiple Challenge for the EU.- NATO Security Challenges.