The adaptation of transatlantic security relations since the end of the cold war

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate whether and how transatlantic relations are still indispensable for the state-actors involved in them. The discussion starts off by seeking to ask if there exists, at a profound level, a transatlantic 'security identity'. Throughout, it thus also examines how such a relationship is transforming. Although more than two decades have passed since the Cold War's demise, the fact there is much more to the transatlantic relationship is tackled in the literature review. Inherent linkages between culture, identity and security are profound, owing to the connection between a group's defence and who that group is relative to others. Owing to common roots and cultural heritage, the relationship is arguably the world's most complex collective security arrangement. A qualitative and literature-based methodology is utilised throughout, particularly since qualitative information is valuable when analysing the behaviours of social units (in this case countries vis-à vis security policy). Chapter 3 explores the recent history of transatlantic security links, tight up to the current situation. Twenty years after the disintegration of the bipolar order, European inability to secure its own 'backyard' and various attempts at defence integration, NATU's Unified Protector denoted a milestone by etching 'new' security responsibilities for the USA and the Europeans. As the USA turns towards the Pacific, Europeans are expected to take charge of regional responsibilities.