Spain, Europe, and Western Security Policy
The Europeanization of Spanish Security and Defense Policy and its Limitations
- 2024
- Book
- Editor
- David Javier García Cantalapiedra
- Book Series
- The Future of Europe
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
About this book
This book analyzes the limitations in the Europeanization of Spanish security and defense policy. For various reasons, Spain has maintained an amalgamated security system based on agreements with NATO, the EU and the US. This combination has produced a dysfunctional system, as it is not truly able to address some of the country’s vital security interests, above all in North Africa and the Mediterranean. At the same time, due mainly to domestic reasons, various Spanish governments have been reluctant to pursue autonomy in the country’s security policy and defense capabilities. Written by a team of scholars and practitioners, this book offers policymakers and professionals both a general overview of and deeper insights into the issue. Due to the lack of comprehensive studies on Spanish security and defense policy and its ties to Europe, this book will be of particular interest.
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Table of Contents
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Frontmatter
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Spain, Europe and the World
Images, Black Legend and Europeanisation David Javier García CantalapiedraThe chapter examines the profound influence of the Black Legend on Spanish foreign policy, as seen through the prism of José Ortega y Gasset's thesis that Europe is the solution to Spain's problems. It delves into the historical roots of the Black Legend, its impact on Spanish strategic thinking, and the challenges faced by the country in asserting its vital interests within a European framework. The text also discusses the recent revisionist school of thought that questions the inevitability of Europeanisation and offers alternative explanations for Spain's strategic challenges. Additionally, it explores the impact of the decline of the international liberal order on Spain's security and defence policy, highlighting the need for a flexible alliance mechanism to compensate for the absence of autonomous capabilities. The chapter concludes by arguing that Spain suffers from a homologation problem, where the need to conform to European standards clashes with the country's vital security interests.AI Generated
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AbstractDuring the last 20 years, Spanish governments have been accommodated to a “declining mode” for a recognised middle power. Despite this future, Spain has strong links to Europe in geography, culture, interests and necessity. Not only the capabilities recovery after the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic is vital for Spain, but also his reputation as a reliable partner and capable middle power with interests worldwide, with intrinsically imbibed resources such as culture, language, population preparation and still notable international capacities. However, his reputation is always tainted by the Black Legend postulated around Europe, other Western countries and even globally. Correctly understanding the country’s reputational and narrative situation and any analysis of Spain’s views, expectations, and support for the European project and security will be useless and biased. -
Europe and Spanish Security and Defence Policy from Within
Natividad Fernández SolaThis chapter provides a detailed examination of the evolution of Spanish security and defence policy since the political transition in 1977. It highlights the shift from a limited defence concept to one that incorporates human security, reflecting the broader trends of the early 21st century. The text explores the unique relationship between Spain and the EU in defence policy, emphasizing the deep changes in the armed forces and defence organisation that occurred during the transition to democracy. It also discusses the adaptation of Spanish defence policy to NATO requirements and the ongoing process of integrating an EU Security and Defence Policy. The chapter delves into the institutional and legal changes that have shaped the current Spanish security and defence policy, including the professionalisation of the armed forces and the development of strategic documents such as the National Defence Directives and the National Security Strategy. Additionally, it compares the Spanish strategies with European strategies, highlighting the two-way Europeanisation of security and defence policies. The text concludes by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish security and defence policy system, emphasising the need for more autonomy and strategic planning to address emerging threats effectively.AI Generated
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AbstractThis research aims to show the key features of the Spanish security and defence policy through the analysis of its institutions and bodies, decision-making process, and strategic documents. In this process, we will discuss the scope of Europeanisation in this public policy and point out some recommendations to reinforce Spain’s security and defence policy in the changing and uncertain international system context.The first section explains the main milestones of the security and defence policy during the political transition that had an enormous impact on the military and the approach towards this policy. The second section deals with the primary strategic documents, even before the first national security strategy, to the present. The third section focuses on the institutional framework that allows the development of national security policy in its strategic planning facet and the application of its principles. Finally, after assessing the national system and its achievements, the conclusions contain some reflections and recommendations. -
The Seeds of a New Logic for Intelligence Cooperation: Spain in the European Union and NATO Intelligence
Gustavo Díaz MateyThis chapter delves into the transformation of Spain's intelligence services from tools of state control during the Franco dictatorship to modern, efficient entities integrated into the European Union and NATO. It highlights the pivotal role of intelligence in safeguarding national interests and the increasing necessity for international cooperation in the face of emerging threats. The text underscores the evolution of intelligence capabilities within NATO and the EU, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing uncertainty in the international sphere. It also explores the significance of technological advancements and the need for shared intelligence to address contemporary security concerns effectively.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter analyses cooperation in intelligence matters within the framework of NATO and the European Union from the Spanish point of view and its intelligence services.This analysis is premised on the assumption that Spain has made great strides in becoming fully incorporated into the structures of these organisations. They have evolved progressively and have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, mainly due to the technological revolution and the long fight against terrorism.At the same time, as we will see throughout the chapter, the return to territorial defence and the development of systemic challenges have considerably nuanced the idea of intelligence as the spearhead of national interest. Now, it is conditioned by increasing uncertainty and interdependence that imposes the idea of shared security. Therefore, the main objective is, taking Spain as an example, to see how intelligence services have adjusted procedures and improved shared capabilities to face the “new” situation looming over international society. -
Counterterrorism, European Union, and Spain: Power Matters
Ruben Herrero de CastroThe chapter examines the historical evolution of terrorism in the European Union, from politically motivated groups to the current threat of jihadist terrorism. It discusses the EU's counter-terrorism strategy, which includes prevention, protection, pursuit, and response, and highlights the challenges faced in implementing these measures, particularly in unstructured environments. The text also explores Spain's significant contributions to the EU's counter-terrorism efforts, drawing on its experience with traditional terrorism and its unique capabilities in police, judicial, and intelligence structures. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that combines civilian and military power to effectively combat terrorism, both within and outside the EU's borders.AI Generated
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AbstractThe capabilities acquired by Spain in its fight against terrorism are essential assets that Spain can use to contribute to the fight against terrorism in the European Union. However, it is necessary to point out that the traditional terrorism suffered by Spain has coincidences with jihadist terrorism, but also sensitive differences, which implies updating in skills, both Spain and the European Union, as well as implementing an operational synergy with the rest of the Member States. -
The US-Spain Relation and Their Impact on European Security
David Javier García CantalapiedraThe chapter delves into the profound influence of the US on Spanish foreign policy since World War II, highlighting the often overlooked impact of this relationship on European security. It discusses the evolution of Spanish foreign policy in the context of US influence, including the strategic realignment after the Cold War and the post-9/11 era. The text also explores the concept of bandwagoning in Spanish foreign policy and the role of the US-Spain alliance in addressing contemporary security challenges. Additionally, it examines the strategic implications of the 1988 US-Spain Defence Cooperation Agreement and the evolving nature of transatlantic relations. The chapter concludes by assessing the future of the US-Spain alliance in the context of a multipolar world and the challenges it faces in maintaining its relevance.AI Generated
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AbstractSpain has been losing during last two decades his position in the EU, NATO and the Mediterranean to buck passing to allies of these organisations. Moreover, these organisations only sometimes fulfil some vital security interests of Spain. Indeed, the alliance with the United States is a critical factor to compensate for this problem. The US-Spanish agreement’s rason-d’etre and the utility for both sides lay in for Spain, enhancing its general security position and increasing security and defence alternatives, and for the United States, a secure ally and key operational site. However, discontinuity in Spanish behaviour and changes in U.S. strategic priorities have affected this situation. -
The Future Relation EU-NATO and Spain
María Isabel Nieto Fernández, Miguel Ángel Benedicto SolsonaThe chapter examines the complex relationship between the EU and NATO, emphasizing their critical roles in maintaining security in an uncertain world. It discusses the historical context of their cooperation, highlighting the increasing threats from Russia and China. The text also delves into the strategic importance of Spain within this framework, showcasing its contributions to NATO operations and the challenges it faces in the Mediterranean region. Additionally, it explores the need for enhanced cooperation and the development of a robust European defense policy to address emerging threats effectively.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter aims to review the evolution of the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in recent decades, with the implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Deepening cooperation in the field of security and defence is vital for the EU, considering the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the current hostile international environment, with increasing geopolitical competition between major and middle powers. Spain must work towards a European Defence Union and a European army capable of acting as a complementary element to NATO. -
Spanish Security Policy in the Greater Maghreb: Skeletons in the Closet, Commonplaces and Irrelevance
Raquel Barras TejudoThe chapter delves into the complex security dynamics of the Greater Maghreb region, focusing on Spain's historical and contemporary involvement. It explores the role of NATO and the EU in managing regional instability, while also discussing the unique challenges and skeletons in the closet that hinder Spain's projections in the southern neighborhood. The analysis highlights the need for a coherent and strategic policy to address the multi-faceted security threats in the region.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter intends to follow the Spanish approach regarding security inside NATO and the European Union. It analyses why Spain cannot enforce its national interests inside the institutions as if other members do, considering internal fragility. Additionally, it believes that Bermuda’s background, history, and current bilateral relations with Morocco, Algeria, and Western Sahara constitute Bermuda’s triangle for Spanish national interests.
- Title
- Spain, Europe, and Western Security Policy
- Editor
-
David Javier García Cantalapiedra
- Copyright Year
- 2024
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-031-58550-0
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-031-58549-4
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58550-0
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