The development of a common European foreign policy : the EU stands in the Gulf Wars of 1990/1 and 2003

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to provide the reader a comprehensive picture on the development towards the establishment of a common European foreign policy with a particular emphasis on the role which the UK, Germany and France assumed for its accomplishment since its inception after the creation of a bi-polar world order in the post WWII years. The Schuman Declaration was intended to maintain and secure peace in Europe by the adoption of a singular economic model. Chapter One analyses the spheres of influence which France and Britain exerted in the Middle East prior to the Treaty of Rome in 1957. The events of the Suez Canal Crisis including the French and British intervention will be illustrated, followed by their gradual decline in major power status. The chapter will delve also in the rising importance of Iraq in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East Chapter two analyses the actual development starting from 194 7 towards the establishment of the CFSP with the Treaty of Maastricht A critical assessment of post-war German foreign policy and Gaullist aspirations will be made, whilst analyzing also the European developments taking place and how they affected the interests of the member states. Chapter three will focus on the events which occurred in the 1980s which led to the establishment of a unilateralist world order.