Common Security and Defense Policy from a Geopolitical Perspective

Since the beginning of the European/Common Security and Defence Policy twenty civilian missions have been deployed in post-conflict and potential crisis environments, i.e. in Afghanistan, Iraq, Georgia, the Palestinian territories, the Western Balkans, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern Africa and Southeast Asia. The civilian dimension focusing on establishing the rule of law, functioning institutions and security sector reform is crucial for crisis management and peacebuilding. CSDP missions are more than a regular foreign policy: they are an embodiment of direct operational engagement through the deployment of the EU personnel on the ground. Geopolitical perspective should be taken into account and CSDP activities shoud be derived from the common denominator of geopolitical interests of member states. This research sets out the main criteria for future civilian missions according to which the missions should be assessed and analyses strategic priorities of the major member states. The content of this book represents personal views of the author and does not reflect the official views of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.