Spain, Europe, and Western Security Policy

The Europeanization of Spanish Security and Defense Policy and its Limitations

herausgegeben von: David Javier García Cantalapiedra

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Buchreihe : The Future of Europe

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Über dieses Buch

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Spain, Europe and the World

Images, Black Legend and Europeanisation

Abstract

During 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.

David Javier García Cantalapiedra

Europe and Spanish Security and Defence Policy from Within

Abstract

This 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.

Natividad Fernández Sola

The Seeds of a New Logic for Intelligence Cooperation: Spain in the European Union and NATO Intelligence

Abstract

This 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.

Gustavo Díaz Matey

Counterterrorism, European Union, and Spain: Power Matters

Abstract

The 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.

Ruben Herrero de Castro

The US-Spain Relation and Their Impact on European Security

Abstract

Spain 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.

David Javier García Cantalapiedra

The Future Relation EU-NATO and Spain

Abstract

This 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.

María Isabel Nieto Fernández, Miguel Ángel Benedicto Solsona

Spanish Security Policy in the Greater Maghreb: Skeletons in the Closet, Commonplaces and Irrelevance

Abstract

This 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.

Raquel Barras Tejudo

Titel: Spain, Europe, and Western Security Policy
herausgegeben von: David Javier García Cantalapiedra
Verlag: 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