European security in the 21st century

This paper, the first in a series of fact sheets and briefing papers on specific aspects of European security policy, offers a broad outline of recent developments in security and defence policy in Europe. It looks at
the origins of the current system and identifies some of the major debates associated with its evolution. It then describes the multilateral institutional framework, with particular emphasis on the role played by the European Union and its member states. Finally, the paper contains a more detailed comment on the contribution of Ireland.

The authors of the paper are Professor Patrick Keatinge and Professor Ben Tonra.