Security and Defence in Europe

This book argues that security and defense have never been true priorities in the European Union, and have constantly been marginalized by the elites since the Soviet Union collapsed and the Warsaw Pact disintegrated. Despite the official rhetoric, only a few tangible results can be presented concerning the operational readiness of European forces, and the EU’s inability to act was proven during the crises in the Balkans, NATO has experienced similar problems, as the majority of its members are EU countries. Both organizations have declared their resolve concerning the security and defense of their nations and territories, but, unfortunately, little has been done to lend these statements credence.

In this context, the book analyzes several aspects of EU security and defense, including: the EU – NATO relationship, common defense policy and strategy, common capability building, common understanding of strategic changes, common operational planning and centrally synchronized exercises based on operational planning, etc. The member states have helped to make EU/NATO effective organizations, but unfortunately their individual interests and priorities constitute real challenges. This aspect should be discussed and addressed by political and military elites, scholars, analysts, students and the general public alike.  

1)  J. Martín Ramírez is Chair of the Center for Conflict Studies at Universidad Nebrija and of CICA International and of the Spanish Pugwash Movement (Peace Nobel Price 1995). He studied Medicine, Humanities, and Law, obtaining a PhD degree in Medicine and Surgery (Neurosciences) and in Philosophy (Education) as well as three Diplomas and a Master in National Defense at the Spanish CESEDEN. Humboldt & Fullbright Fellow, in Ruhr Universität and Stanford, respectively, Dr. Martín Ramírez is also Research Fellow of International Security Program of the Harvard University and Visiting Fellow of the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, Stanford University, probably the most important left-leaned and right-leaned American think-tanks, respectively. He also served as Visiting Professor and Research Fellow at universities in Israel, France, Poland, Wales, Australia, Japan, Canada, Iran, Guatemala, Germany, and the USA. Dr. Martín Ramírez has been awarded multipleinternational honors, such as being several times official of the Boarding Counsel of the International Society for Research on Aggression (ISRA), on the Advisory Board of the Society for Terrorism Research and of the Professors World Peace Academy, and Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Sciences and of the New York Academy of Sciences, as well as a Professional Award on Aggression and Inter-ethnic Conflicts by the East-West Center, established by the United States Congress, among others. Dr. Martín Ramírez is author of about 500 scientific publications, among books and articles, in more than ten languages. He has also been Head of the Complutense Research Group on Sociopsychobiology of Aggression, Head of the Departments of Psychobiology at Seville and Complutense Universities, and Director of the Cabinet of the Rector at the Madrid Autonomous University.

Major General (Ret.) Jerzy Biziewski performed last duties as the Head of Plans Directorate, NATO SHAPE/Allied Command Operations at Mons, in years 2013 - 2016. He is a 1979 graduate of the Mechanized Infantry Higher School. He earned his PhD at the National Defense Academy in 1994 in the military history domain. He attended numerous courses at tactical, operational and strategic level both in the country and abroad (Denmark, Great Britain, the Netherlands, NATO).
Biziewski’s assignments include commanding and staff positions in several units and HQs.  He was the commanding officer for the 2nd Corps HQ (2010-2013) and the 1^st Armored Brigade (2006-2009). He deployed to Afghanistan as the commander of the Polish Military Contingent (2007-2008). He was the chief of the Movement and Transportation Branch at the Joint Force Command HQ Brunssum (2002-2005), the deputy J5 (2009-2010) and the chief of the Crisis Response Branch at the General Staff (PL) (1999-2002). For several years he was a lecturer at the National Defense Academy (1990-1998). Earlier he served as a platoon leader, company commander and battalion commander.
His decorations include the Military Cross (PL), Bronze Star Medal (US), Meritorious Service Medal (US) and various unit and service awards.