| Review of: | Security and Defence Policy in the European Union by J. Howorth |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | Alistair J.K. Shepherd |
| Reviewed in: | Journal of Common Market Studies |
| Date accepted online: | 10/04/2008 |
| Published in print: | Volume 45, Issue 05, Pages 1159-1167 |
Book Reviews
Despite the extensive literature on the ESDP there are very few monographs solely dedicated to this policy area. Howorth's welcome addition provides a clear, detailed and comprehensive analysis of one of the most important policy developments in the history of the EU. The well organized and accessible account covers all the vital aspects of the ESDP: its inception, institutions, capabilities, transatlantic relations, strategic culture and operations. In chapter 2 he provides an explanation of the gestation of the ESDP and, importantly, dispels some of the 'misleading allegations' (p. 37) surrounding it. The chapters on institutions, capabilities and operations (covering both military and civilian elements) summarize the multitude of developments succinctly. The analysis of the ESDP and transatlantic relations in chapter 5 disaggregates the range of opinion on either side of the Atlantic, thereby avoiding the simple stereotyping that is all too common and providing a nuanced appraisal. In the following, engaging, chapter on the emergence of an embryonic European strategic culture and its embodiment in the European Security Strategy, Howorth outlines the crucial 'lingering questions' and emphasizes strategic culture's importance by declaring that without it the 'ESDP simply will not work' (p. 198). The book concludes with an overview of potential challenges facing the ESDP including: economic competitiveness, energy dependence, 'troublesome neighbours', defence policy reform and political-cultural obstacles to further co-operation.
Howorth's accessible and authoritative style draws on a wealth of elite interviews conducted throughout the ESDP's existence and is supplemented by a wide range of secondary sources. The interview material reinforces his command over the subject matter and brings clarity to the sometimes impenetrable minutia of EU policies. While at times (for example on strategic culture and future challenges) the book draws heavily on other analysts, Howorth acknowledges this and it does not obfuscate the author's own argument. Without ignoring the problems and failings of the ESDP the book takes an unashamedly 'glass half-full' approach and paints a rosier picture than some analysts would like. His central argument is that despite the highly contentious nature of the ESDP the EU has made remarkable progress in operationalizing this policy in a very short space of time.
This assessment is well constructed using an overtly empirical and inductive approach. For those seeking a theoretical explanation of the ESDP's development the brief overview of theoretical approaches in chapter 1 and the broadly constructivist approach taken in chapter 6 may be insufficient. However, as Howorth declares, the 'ESDP has emerged overwhelmingly as a series of empirical reactions to historical events' (p. 22) and this volume encapsulates this superbly. As such this book is a significant and valuable contribution to the literature on EU security and defence policy and the EU's rapidly expanding role in international security.