The domain of foreign and security policy at times of crisis

To what extent does differentiated integration take place in the domain of foreign, security and defence policy in the context of crisis?

Do developments within this field point in the direction of segmentation or rather towards centralisation and democratisation? To what extent can the emerging order be expected to be sustainable? What is the position of Norway within it?

‘The domain of foreign and security policy at times of crisis’ is one of four EuroDiv sub-projects (Integration and division: Towards a segmented Europe?). This domain is at the outset differentiated and unstable compared to other policy areas. It operates according to its own decision-making rules and is served by a separate set of institutions. There is some evidence of greater centralisation and democratisation: institutional reforms and so-called soft power approaches can work as countervailing forces. The overarching questions are addressed through the following studies:

Segmentation or constitutionalisation?

In order to discern the direction of developments, formal institutional designs and rules of decision-making, as well as their interpretation and practice, are examined. Particular attention is paid to possible shifts in the understandings of rules and in the practices of participation – also with regard to third parties such as Norway.

Sustainability

To what extent is this domain reinforcing and refining its separate institutional structures and/or opening these to other actors and organisations outside of the Union? Both developments may indicate tighter integration, but to what extent may they be expected to be equally sustainable? Furthermore, what may be the driving forces of integrative moves?

Published Jan. 28, 2015 2:28 PM - Last modified June 21, 2022 4:21 PM