The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction : challenges to European security in the Mediterranean Region

Abstract

During recent years, Europe has been faced with a number of security challenges that are economic, cultural and also military in nature. A vast amount of literature and research documentation is available, dealing with each of these problems in turn, especially concerning the former two categories. However, military challenges have not been analysed to such a great extent. This is understandable due to the predominant economic nature of the European Union itself, and also because of the peace currently being enjoyed within Europe. Unfortunately, such a situation does not mean that military threats cease to exist. In fact, such security challenges may have taken on a new dimension with the coming into existence of weapons of mass destruction. The proliferating activities of neighbouring states, and the increased terrorist activities of late, lend a new urgency to these challenges. In this light, the aim of this research is to identify the security challenges posed by the proliferation of such weapons within the Mediterranean Region.