*** MARTIN ORTEGA (Editor): L'Union européenne et la crise au Moyen-Orient. Institut d'études de sécurité de l'Union européenne (43 av. du Président Wilson, F-75775 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 56891930 - fax: 56891931 - E-mail: institute@iss-eu.org - Internet: http://www.iss-eu.org ). "Cahiers de Chaillot" series, No. 62. 2003, 100 pp, 8 euros.
The economic dimension of globalisation has been overexposed for a long time now and is beginning to escape from excessive media attention. The attacks on 11 September and the recent European Social Forum in Paris have demonstrated this fact in their different ways. A world that is in the middle of the globalisation process demands political commitment and an intellectual analysis to match, which is not confined to a reductionism of good versus evil with the latter being embodied in an economic, political or paramilitary form. It is difficult to speak of a direct link between suicide attacks against busses in Jerusalem and hostage taking in a theatre in Moscow, or murderous attacks against the World Trade Centre. That said, in the events in the Middle East and the new international terrorism there are at least two sorts of indirect links. Firstly, the accumulation of frustration, despair and failure which gives succour to the extremists and produces candidates for suicide bombings. Secondly, the perception of the threats themselves. The legitimate solidarity surrounding the war on terrorism leads to confusion and engenders, unfortunately, analyses that all too often correspond with the problems.
This edition of Cahiers de Chaillot aims to look at the role of the Union in the regional conflict in the Middle East over the last three years. Since summer 2000, the Camp David agreement gave rise to hope by putting an end to nine years of difficult negotiations. The refusal by Yasser Arafat, the start of the second intifada and the election of Ariel Sharon saw violence become the continuation of diplomacy by other means. At the same time, this rupture in the peace process plunged the USA and their public opinion into acute despair. It “symbolised the end of a decade of optimism about the possibilities for the international community to promote peace, not only in the Middle East but also in many other areas”.
The first chapter contains an exhaustive analysis of three dimensions of European policy with regard to the conflict: economic and financial support for the peace process, the participation in multinational structures and support for efficient and democratic Palestinian institutions. Dominique Moïsi, Deputy Director at Ifri then goes on to illustrate the psychological barriers in some European countries which make reaching a common European position difficult. In the third chapter, Gerd Nonneman, a lecturer at the University of Lancaster, examines US policy on the conflict and the reasons behind the EU point of view
Stefano Silvestri, former Italian Under Secretary of State for defence also follows this path and explains why the USA has had such freedom in external policies.
Without going over the role of the Union too much in the regional Middle East conflict, this issue clarifies the different dimensions of European commitments that are favourable to a peaceful solution. It takes into account the specific nature of the Union in relation to US policy. Following 11 September, the US government left its isolationism and strengthened its support for Israel. At the same time and together, the Union should explain that it was credible to condemn terrorism and support the Palestinian Authority. Currently, the all powerful euphoria and free use of force has been dissipated on the American side. And if George bush wants to avoid a serious set back, notably electoral, he will have to re-orientate his position, which explains why he now personally feels the need to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Nicole Gnessoto writes in her preface that the “USA are obliged to bring the spiral of violence in the Israel-Palestinian conflict to an end on the same terms and principles at the Union”. She adds that “support is needed and the union should be more committed to applying the road map”. This Cahier de Chaillot does not disappoint. Precise, accessible and indispensable. Alain Dremière
*** ELIE KHEIR (Editor): Proche-Orient: processus de paix ou guerre inachevée ? Groupe de sociologie de la défense de l'Ecole des hautes études en sciences sociales (Paris. Internet: www//ehess.fr/cirpes/). Collection "Cahier d'Etudes Stratégiques", No. 35. 2003, 140 pp. 16 euro. ISBN 2-905758-28-7.
This book looks at the results of three symposiums during which academics and journalists discussed in 2001 and 2002 the conflicts in the Middle East, its previous history and attempts to find a solution. Tending to be critical of Israel, the different authors put the Oslo peace process its historical and strategic context, namely the end of the cold war. They used a fine tooth comb to analyse the fundamental issues of the conflict: colonisation, question of refugees, status of Jerusalem etc. The military-security strategy of Israel is completely revealed. The European Union is described as, “a little more than an impotent conglomerate…interested in influencing the USA in order to prevent them surfing any longer on the threat of regional and religious wars”. Other contributions consider that there is nothing to be obtained from this organisation that has no foreign policy. The USA are not spared at all either and are considered responsible for the failure of the Oslo peace process and for many other problems inherent in the conflict. Opinions that appear to be very cut and dried. (NJo)
*** GERD NONNEMAN: Governance, Human Rights, and the Case for Political Adaptation in the Gulf: Issues in the EU-GCC Political Dialogue. The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute (see address attached). "Policy Paper" series, No. 01/3. 2003, 25 p..
In this policy paper, Gerd Nonneman tackles the question of how the Union could be better at attempting to push forward ideas of “governance and human rights” in countries in the Gulf. This short analysis is an intelligent and “humane” reading of the barriers created by reciprocal misunderstanding. The author suggests a series of measures of gradual measures, by dialogue, for example, in support of the concepts that are so key in understanding and a better and more constructive dialogue. (FOc)
*** MARK A. POLLACK (Editor): The New Transatlantic Agenda at Five: a Critical Assessment. Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute (see address attached). 2002, 71 pp..
This Florence Institute publication draws up a balance sheet of the first few years in the new Trans-Atlantic Agenda, finalised in 1995. The links - security, environment, economic - between the two entities are reviewed. The conclusion is that the Union and the USA have to push for greater integration. This book is based on a conference that took place in April 2001. The consequences of 11 September are dealt with here as much as those resulting from the Iraqi conflict. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since, which changes the parameters somewhat, even if the analysis is largely pertinent. (NJo)
*** PHILIPPE MOREAU DEFARGES: L'ordre mondial. Armand Colin (31-35rue Froidevaux, F-75685 Paris. Tel.: (33-1) 56891930 - fax: 56891931- Internet: http://www.dalloz.fr ). 2003, 199 p., 8 euros. ISB: 2-24705171-5.
From 1989 - 1991, the collapse of the Communist block in Eastern Europe and the dissolution of the Soviet Union marked the end of the East-West order. Georges Bush, then president of the USA put himself forward as the victor of the antagonism that lay at the heart of the cold war. He proclaimed the beginning of a new world order based on liberal democracy. The freedom of human rights would be respected by all nations within this order. The first Gulf War and Yugoslavia's plunge into chaos and the attacks on the Twin towers has somewhat tarnished this image. Less than ten years later the collapse of the Twins towers appears to embody this model or at least its limitations and weaknesses. The current stability in Iraq reinforces this perception. Behind the major challenges of the current period are a number of questions relating to how we perceive order, particularly that of world order. The author Philippe Moreau Desfarges, researcher at Ifri and a lecturer at the IEP, initially examines this picture and subsequently provides a "brief history of international orders". In the third part of the book he explores the theme of collective security, a substantial model that haunted the twentieth century. In this context he moves on to look at the determining factor of armaments. In his conclusions he links the theme of his book to that of "world society" after having looked at the "economic and social dimensions of world order". (VHa)
*** THIERRY DE MONTBRIAL, PHILIPPE MOREAU DEFARGES (Editor): Ramses. Les grandes tendances du monde 2004. Published by Dunod (Paris. Internet: http://www.dunod.com ) pour l'Institut français des relations internationales (Paris. Internet: http://www.ifri.org ). 2003, 375 p.. ISBN 2-10-007156-4.
This new issue of Ramses will not be a disappointment to those who already know and appreciate this annual tour of the international current affairs scene. Thierry de Montbrial explores the “perspectives” and the new challenges emerging from the Iraq conflict: “Europe and its Future” (enlargement to the East and the constitutional process, he believes require a methodological analysis of the three challenges facing the Union: “the definition of its identity, the democratic deficit and immigration”), as well as the need, for all countries in the world to adapt to globalisation without losing their identities. Around fifty essays cover the flashpoints this year (Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, world trade etc.), genuine maps, bibliographies, internet references, statistics and chronologies accompany the book and one again make it an essential book for references. . (JSt)
*** BAUDOUIN HAMULI KABARHUZA, FERDINAND MUSHI MUGUMO, NORBERT YAMBAYAMBA SHUKU: La société civile congolaise. Etats des lieux et perspectives. Colophon Editions (25 rue Gratès, B-1170 Brussels. E-mail: colophon@online.be - Internet: http://www.colophon.be ). "Essais" series. 2003, 123 pp. ISBN 2-930254-09-2.
Accompanying the awaited transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is hope: the dense network made up by civil society in the Congo. According to the authors, this can play an essential role in the development of the Congolese nation and democracy, in partnership with the public authorities and the European Union. Structural, organisational and practical problems, nevertheless undermine the efforts made by this very civil society. This calls for an inventory and proposals for solutions that would allow it to participate more efficiently in the “good governance” advocated by the Cotonou Agreements. In the first part of the book, the authors provide the basic elements outlining how they see the situation: the concept of good governance and that of civil society. The network is dissected and analysed in the following chapter: churches, NGOs, unions, employers' federations, media, women's' groups etc. There are numerous components all of which are assessed and criticised constructively before the authors go on to the reports that link this vast network to political power. The fifth chapter explores the cooperation existing between the Union and the ACP group. In order to help push forward the “political sphere-civil sphere” partnership, the authors formulate a number of suggestions in their conclusions. (NJo)
*** MARC R. GRAMBERGER, SANTIAGO HERRERO VILLA (Editor): L'information: un nouveau terrain de coopération entre les organisations non gouvernementales et l'Union européenne. European Commission (Brussels) and Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute (9 via dei Roccettini, I-50016 San Domenico di Fiesole). 2002, 163 p..
Government discussions on “marginal elements come to disrupt public order” have been banned for a long-time as they are regarded as too controversial but now the NGOs are enjoying a notable success. Their force is above all due to their dedication to reveal the weaknesses and injustices of modern society. This is a phenomenon that the European Commission has been unable to ignore since 1999. It is now seeking to support collaboration between European civil society and developing countries. This book looks at a conference organised by the European University Institute and the Commons Service in External Relations at the Commission, together with the liaison committee of Non Governmental Organisations (Clong) that focused on the subject. The debate was structured as follows: “Development, human rights, the European Union and Non Governmental Organisations”, “Non Governmental Organisations, development and public opinion”, Cooperation between Non Governmental Organisations and the European Union”, “The NGO press and information objectives”, “Information ethics in cooperation activities”, “Information and development”, “New European Commission structures for external relations and cooperation”, “External information services of the European Commission”, NGO information activity platforms and possibilities for cooperation with the Union”. This conference was held in November 1999. Since then new developments have been registered. There is still the problem of communication between the different actors and their mutual distrust, which was revealed on this occasion and which appears to have been magically erased. There is still an obvious need for real dialogue between the parties. (FLa)
*** La COMMISSION EUROPEENNE (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following document:
*** Common Agricultural Policy. Synthesis 2001. DG agriculture. 2003, 26 p. ISBN 92-894-5805-4.
This is a synthesis of the Common Agricultural Policy for 2001. This is in effect a transition period for the major reforms of 1999-2000 and the evaluation of the situation for 2002, marked by numerous difficulties in the economic slow down, BSE, foot and mouth disease and swine fever. It looks at the main happenings in the year such as developments in the agricultural markets and provides a breakdown of Union production country by country. The synthesis also provides an insight into funding for this Community policy.
*** EuroChoices. EuroChoices (Tangley Mount, Tangley, Andover, Hampshire UK SP11 0SH. Tel: (44-1264) 730869 - fax: 730872 - E-mail: enquiries@EuroChoices.org - Internet: http://www.eurochoices.org ). 2003, No.2, 46 p.. Subscription: 30 euros.
Published by the Agricultural Economics Society and the European Association of Agricultural Economists, this magazine tackles agricultural, food and rural issues. Subjects include reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the need to provide a place within it for public health. The reviewwiez then looks at food safety and increasing respect for the pre-cautionary principle. This issue also deals with milk quotas, fallow land and aid for developing countries. Each article provides comprehensive documentation , including a summary in French and English.
*** Documents. Revue des questions allemandes. Bureau International de Liaison et de Documentation (50 rue de Laborde, F-75008 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 43879040 - fax: 42935094 - E-mail: bild.documents@wanadoo.fr ). July - August - September 2003, No.3, 96 pp, 10 euros. Subscription: 39 euros.
This publication focuses on Franco-German relations and the current Intergovernmental Conference. It also examines the situation in Germany, described by some as the “sick man of Europe”, as well as the difficulties experienced by the country in implementing certain reforms - such as pensions, for example - which are, however, very important.
*** Paneurope. Lettre d'information de Paneurope France. Comité français pour l'Union paneuropéenne (66-68 av. de Suffren, F-75015 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 53583066 - fax: 40563590 - E-mail: cfup@pan-europe.org - Internet: http://www.pan-europe.org ). 2003, No. 38, 12 p..
This issue specifically focuses on the future Union constitution. Figures such as Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Pierre Lequiller present their vision of the European project and says what they think of the draft elaborated by the Convention. There is, therefore a mention of the reference to the Christian heritage, enlargement and the tension between the small and large countries. The newsletter also looks at the Italian Presidency.
*** Notabene. Observatoire social européen (13 rue Paul-Émile Janson, B-1050 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 5371971 - fax: 5392808 -E-mail: info@ose.be - Internet: http: //http://www.ose.be ). Novembre 2003, No. 132, 16 p.. Suscription: 20 euros.
This issue of Notabene focuses on social dialogue and sounds the alarm regarding dangers implicit in enlargement. This newsletter from the European Social Observatory expresses worries about the deficit in this matter in certain countries. These countries often favour tripartite negotiations to autonomous dialogue between employers and their staff.
Review sin brief
*** The trade Front. CATO Institute, Centre for Trade Policy Studies. August 2003, Washington. The CATO institute takes a close look at the Bush administration's project to establish a free trade zone between the USA and the Middle East in an effort to counter pose terrorism. *** EIB Information. European Investment Bank. 2003, No.113, Luxembourg. This issue presents initiatives by the EIB in 2002 for the future. *** Louvain. Université catholique de Louvain. October 2003, No.142, Louvain-la-Neuve. the publications gives a low down on events at UCL, as well as in the university world in Europe.