The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Lecture Notes

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the institutional framework, history, and strategic challenges of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy based on lecture notes from May 2022.

CSDP

Common Security and Defence Policy; an integral component of the CFSP, described in the notes as a possible 'misnomer' and occupying a 'grey zone' between EU and NATO frameworks.

CFSP

Common Foreign and Security Policy; the broader framework for EU foreign coordination established in the early 1990s with the Treaty of Maastricht.

Treaty of Maastricht

The early 1990s treaty that marked a significant step in the process of EU foreign security and defence coordination.

Lisbon Treaty

A major leap forward in EU foreign policy that focused on external action and the role of the High Representative.

European Council

The main intergovernmental organ that sets the course for the CFSP, where member states retain sovereignty.

High Representative

The official responsible for the execution of CFSP, characterized by a 'double head function' that balances intergovernmental diplomacy with EU policy.

Art 5 NATO

The provision for member states' territorial defence which is not a competence of the EU framework.

Threat Perception

The varying views of security risks (e.g., terrorism, FIMI, or Russia) that differ per country largely due to geographic location.

Strategic Compass 2022

A 2022 flagship production and proposal providing strategic guidelines, described as secondary to another primary document.

Libya Crisis 2011

A conflict where the 'leading from behind' campaign gave the impression that the West was supporting local efforts rather than imposing regime change.

The 3 D's

Constraints/concepts that the EU must avoid in the EU-NATO relationship to prevent a divide in Europe.

Berlin Plus agreements

Agreements designed to address the divide between the EU and NATO, though tensions over capabilities remain.

EU Battleforce

A proposed military capability idea that did not come to fruition.

Civilian component

A part of CSDP missions linked to the idea of 'winning the war' through non-military means and broader strategy.

Leading from behind

A strategy mentioned in the context of the 2011 Libya crisis to avoid the appearance of imposing regime change.

Historical Taboo

A traditional limit or restriction regarding EU military and industrial involvement currently being questioned amid global turmoil.

FIMI

A specific security tool or concept mentioned in the context of threat perceptions alongside terrorism.