The Barcelona Process : an analysis of the security aspects of the process in relation to the Euro-Mediterranean area

Abstract

Within the theoretical framework of the new regionalist paradigm and the Copenhagen School of security studies promoting the security complex theory, this dissertation attempts to analyze in depth the security aspects of the Barcelona Process in relation to the various dynamics present in the Euro-Mediterranean region. While new regionalism enables to grasp systemic factors in the Process, the Copenhagen School permits to understand security partnership at the regional level. The construction of the Barcelona Process as a security partnership in the region is one case stemming from the high level of interdependence between the European and the Mediterranean countries. The historical ties, economic dependency, geographical proximity increased the EU's interest towards the Mediterranean. Also, the rise of illegal immigration flows and religious fundamentalism in the Mediterranean as well as tension in the Middle East conflict, the Iraqi War, and terrorist attacks to the US, appreciated the importance of the EMP policy and security cooperation so make this study more crucial. Moreover, the three chapters of the Barcelona Process clearly depict its comprehensive approach. One has to take also in consideration the security perceptions and the security challenges present today, especially those directly affecting the Euro-Mediterranean region. Since security cannot be defined without reference to the perceptions and security cultures of the main actors in the region, a special focus of this study will be the examination of the security cultures of those forming part of the Barcelona Process, basically those two cultures on the opposite sides of the Mediterranean (European Member-States and the Mediterranean Partner Countries). Finally this thesis will give an evaluation of the process, possibly give an account of its strengths and weaknesses and also show a possible way forward which could be some form of understanding or an inter-cultural dialogue in order to improve relations among partners.