The European Union and National Defence Policy

Focusing on the role European integration has played in shaping the defense policies of various European countries, this book fills a surprising gap in existing studies. THe editors have brought together an impressive array of contributors, who consider the pressure on state policy emanating from the prcoess of integration. The book is divided into three distinct parts: the first outlines the tortuous history of attempts to link defense with European integration and highlights some recents initiatives. The second part includes studies of the four larger member states--France Germany, Italy and the UK, as well as a chapter on The Netherlands--providing an insight into the different national factors that condition the impact of EU action. The final section considers the key questions of nuclear weapons and arms procurement policies.