European Geostrategy

6:14, 15 August 2009

By James Rogers

What role do policy institutions and think tanks play in the formation of European Union foreign, security and defence policy? Many people might say: ‘Not much!’ After all, the European think tank community is far smaller than the extensive complex of organisations operating in the United States. But as I’ve tried to point out in an article in the latest edition of the Journal of Common Market Studies, European-oriented think tanks are actually rather important. Granted, they probably have very little impact on specific political decisions at the European level, particularly when it comes to the immediate execution of foreign and security policy. Some European officials and practitioners do not even bother to read any of their publications.

But think tanks have helped to shape the European Union’s evolution as an international actor, albeit in ways that are at first difficult to attribute. Rather than contributing to specific policies in the short or immediate terms, they instead help shape discourse in the longer term. Through their briefing papers and other publications, and particularly their speaker meetings and conferences, they provide an important forum for experts, practitioners and politicians to come together and exchange ideas.

In so doing, they gain an ability to ‘close off’ alternative perspectives, and set down the very essence of the debate. They ‘deactivate’ contending approaches by ignoring them or concentrating on other issues. They ask difficult questions to undermine the status-quo and show-up its shortcomings. And they often position the European Union as a legitimate and necessary strategic actor, helping to make it seem more credible and attractive for the achievement of political and strategic objectives.

Since the latter 1990s, this nascent community of European-level think tanks has grown in confidence and scope. Not only do more institutions now exist than ever before, but many pre-existing think tanks have given greater emphasis to their research programmes focussing on European foreign and security policies. And European defence autonomy – once almost a taboo subject – is emerging as a cutting-edge subject through their efforts.

So which think tanks have had the greatest impact over the past decade? From my own research, I would say the following:

Bertelsmann Foundation

As Germany’s biggest think tank, the Bertelsmann Foundation is a powerhouse of European-level thinking on security and defence policy. Home of the renowned Venusberg Group, it attracts some of the most established strategic thinkers on the continent. They have authored a number of heavy-hitting publications on the need for more European integration in the areas of security and defence. Not only was the Bertelsmann Foundation one of the first institutions to put forward a coherent Strategy of Action for the creation of a more credible European security actor, but it was also the first to provide a number of recommendations as to how a future European Defence Strategy might take shape.

Centre for European Reform

Particularly influential under Tony Blair’s government, the Centre for European Reform made the idea of a European Union role in security and defence legitimate and acceptable in the United Kingdom. Led by Charles Grant, the centre has produced a wide range of briefing papers on European security issues, and has recently pioneered issues surrounding European energy security. It has also acted as a ‘training ground’ for a new generation of European strategists, including Steven Everts, Heather Grabbe, Daniel Keohane and Mark Leonard, who have all gone off to work for (or found) other European institutions.

Demos

Demos may not seem a logical choice for inclusion in any list of influential European strategic think tanks, for it has focussed more on the national debate in the United Kingdom. For instance, it pioneered the discussion over the drafting of a British National Security Strategy, and its work is often well-received by government. The reason it warrants mention is because it was the original publisher of Robert Cooper’s Postmodern State and the World Order in 1996 (republished in 2000), which has had a profound impact on strategic thinking in European policy circles.

Egmont Institute

Affiliated with the Belgian Foreign Office, the Egmont Institute is fast becoming a vortex of strategic and security thinking in Brussels. Its well-organised and stimulating conferences attract some of the biggest names in the business, and it provides a forum for the exchange of views. Its Egmont Papers – which often tackle subjects other institutions find difficult to approach – focus on a wide range of topics, from global governance to the reform of the Atlantic Alliance. Punching well above its weight, it often leads the European debate.

European Council on Foreign Relations

Relatively new to the European scene, the European Council on Foreign Relations has already had a considerable impact. It brings together a wide range of strategic and security thinkers from across the Union, and articulates a clear vision for the future of European foreign and security policy. Under Mark Leonard’s dynamic leadership, its thoughtful and lively policy papers are said to influence and shape thinking at the highest levels. For example, the Council has done much to firm up the debate on European relations with Russia and it pulls no stops in criticising Member States whose policies are not supportive of the European interest.

European Union Institute for Security Studies

As an official agency of the European Union, the European Union Institute for Security Studies has a special place in the European institutional machinery. Founded in 1990, its mission is to pioneer European-level strategic thinking through the publication of its succinct Occasional Papers and longer Chaillot Papers. Not only does the institute provide a link between Brussels and Paris, but its research fellows are said to have access to Brussels’ highest corridors of power. Through the institute’s visiting fellow programme, budding young strategists are given an opportunity to write their first major policy paper, often laying the foundations for future thinking.

Of course, there are many other policy institutions with a focus on European foreign, security and defence policy, and many also have considerable influence – particularly in their own Member States. If you think there are any even more deserving of mention than those on my list, please use the comment box below to share your opinions. I would be interested to hear your views.

• Credit to Nerd Approved for picture.