European Security Strategy in the 21st Century: The Blair Doctrine Revisited

Abstract

The attacks of 9/11 and the subsequent awareness of terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction had a significant impact on the European security arena. Europe needed to review its strategy in order to respond adequately to the security challenges ahead. Hence, the 2003 European Security Strategy was formulated around the post-9/11 security environment, identifying the key security challenges and the subsequent political implications for the EU. Today, thirteen years after the first document was drafted, Europe seems to be more vulnerable and insecure than ever before. Indeed, Europe faces a plethora of security threats, different in nature, cause and treatment, such as its economic downturn, the rise of the Islamic State and its terrorist operations in European soil, the spread of European jihadists, Europe's migration crisis, Russia’s aggressive policy, the war in neighbouring Ukraine, and the rise of nationalistic and xenophobic forces inside Europe itself. This dangerous situation has not only put at risk the key European values of solidarity, trust and unity among Member States, but also the European project itself. Thus, an ambitious European strategy that can guarantee the EU's internal and external security over the coming years, based on unity, solidarity and integration seems more urgent than ever before. After 9/11, Tony Blair was distinguished as the leader with the most controversial political stand among all Europeans. Blair responded to the events by further elaborating his doctrine of international community, defending a progressive view of the world starting from the reality of interdependence in the age of globalisation, and acting according to certain values, equal to strategic interests. It is through his controversial practicing of leadership that this work shall draw a series of lessons on what to avoid and what to seek next time, mainly regarding Europe’s strategic words and actions.