In(ter)dependence or Reliance? The Problems of EU Military Strategic Autonomy since 2013

Abstract

This thesis analyses the European Union’s development of military strategic autonomy since 2013. The Arab Spring, the Russian Annexation of Crimea, the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, among others, have changed the international arena for the EU. The Union realises that it needs to decrease its reliance on third parties, especially the US, and increase its capabilities for autonomous action. However, this road has not come without problems. This thesis will analyse official EU documents supported by secondary literature to answer the following research question: ‘What problems in the development of military strategic autonomy has the EU encountered with its push for more military power since 2013?’ Interestingly, the EU has not reduced its reliance on the US, in contrary it has become increasingly reliant. US troops and weaponry are flooding the European continent to the despair of France and delight of other EU member states. These internal disagreements about the meaning of military strategic autonomy and how it should be pursued have hampered the Unions ability to increase it. In addition, some academics have highlighted that a normative power like the EU will be unable to develop military power without damaging its position in the international system. This thesis argues that there is no reason to conclude this, but more research is needed.