The experiences of small states when adjusting to the common foreign & security policy : a study of Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia

Abstract

The journey towards understanding the foreign and security policy of small states has been a long and winding road. In fact, defining a small state has always been riddled with disagreements and shortcomings. Regardless, the study of small states is a noteworthy area that should not be overlooked. This research focuses on addressing the different obstacles which Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta faced as they adjusted to the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Furthermore, it seeks to discuss to what extent these different member states adjusted their views to accommodate those of the Union, and to uncover the degree to which they are committed towards the common framework. While carrying out a thematic analysis, this research aims to describe the journey of the countries as they change and develop their foreign and security policy to match that of the European Union. In this regard, the researcher focused on four particular themes. The first theme addresses the process of Europeanization the countries underwent during their accession with regards to foreign and security policy. This theme will focus on Europeanization from both a downloading and an uploading standpoint. Secondly, the research will tackle the countries’ commitments towards the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union. This will also address any organisational changes the countries might have had to face to adjust to it. Thirdly, the paper will examine how the ideas behind national foreign and security policies have changed due to the adoption of the CFSP. Finally, the dissertation intends to explore how national cultural ideas related to foreign and security policy impacted the EU’s CFSP. The thematic analysis is followed by a comparative analysis of the three countries, intended to highlight any differences and similarities between the three countries during their adjustment to the CFSP.