A look at the MaastrichtTreaty, the beginning of the formation of the European Union and the ramifications of this treaty on member nations' national identities.
Abstract An in-depth look at the MaastrichtTreaty and an examination of the provisions and impact.This paper examines some of the issues involved in trying to balance the national sovereignty and identity of member nations with the level of integration required to ensure that the union itself is strong. It also provides an historical look at the formation of the Union.
From the Paper "In its most basic form, the Maastricht was an international agreement approved by the heads of government of the states of the European Community in the Dutch city of Maastricht 10 years ago, in December of 1991. It came into effect Nov. 1, 1993, at which time everyone with citizenship in any of the union's members also acquired Union citizenship. Perhaps even more importantly, the treaty also set in motion the establishment of a central banking system and a common currency for the entire continent. The treaty had as its purpose -- and in many ways the effect -- of providing for a common foreign and security policy for the continent."
This paper examines the European Union and the MaastrichtTreaty that is responsible for bringing about economic integration within the member countries.
Abstract The writer of this well-researched and informative paper details the history of the EU, established in 1993, as well as the MaastrichtTreaty which was responsible for the successful economic integration within the member countries. This paper also cites the various drawbacks within the EU such as the lack of an armed force capable of more than just post-conflict interposition. This paper stresses the political vision and concepts behind the EU as well as the growing need for broader security structures and even more economic integration between the member countries.
From the Paper "The European Union was established in 1993 with the Maastricht treaty that was responsible to bring about economic integration with the member countries. This is considered as one of the most powerful and strategic economic trade integration, and is responsible for contribution of nearly one-third of the entire world's trade. This has been so successful because of the fact that the west European countries have all formed together to form this agreement and have also initiated the single currency that is sued in this region called the Euro. Now after this the European commission is actually aiming at getting their political and commercial interaction with Latin America, and all effort is being put to get this done with as soon as possible."
Abstract This paper examines the development of the European Union's (EU)Common Foreign and Security Policy and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) since the MaastrichtTreaty. It aims to determine how successful these institutional developments have been in addressing current security challenges. The paper also identifies how these processes are affecting the respective members of the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Recent Trends and Events
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research showed that most observers did not expect the process to be seamless or trouble-free, but it would seem that the trends clearly indicate that the Europeanization process continues to move forward in inexorable ways, with the need for establishing a viable mechanism to provide for mutual defense representing one of the more compelling reasons in support of the process. While the nations of Europe have historically sought out such alliances for their mutual defense, the process has expanded in recent years to include many former adversaries that appeared to represent a step in the right direction for ensuring a prosperous future for all members of the EU. Alas, the war on terrorism is not going to be finished anytime soon and defense will likely remain at the forefront of the move toward a United States of Europe that reflects the mutual but diverse interests of its members."
Abstract This study attempts to illustrate how Greece has influenced the European Union by examining specific major events and structural guidelines that are not just regional considerations but have world wide implications. This examination takes place in the light of how the Greeks, in particular, have seen their presence in the union shape and sway the both the look and direction of the body. The specific areas of analysis include the enlargement processes of 1995 and 2004, the Greek influence on European Monetary Union (EMU) and an examination of how Greece has affected the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) specifically during the U.S. war in Iraq and the resulting differences that occurred amongst the EU member states. In addition, the study analyzes the specific impact of the term of the Greek presidency within the EU briefly and as it related to the U.S. war in Iraq in 2003. As the facts are presented and examined, the paper makes it clear how the Greek nation has had a measurable influence on the membership, policy and direction of the EU and provide an insight into what lasting impact has been left by the Children of Hellas.
Table of Contents
Problem Statement and Goal
Relevance and Significance
Barriers and Issues
Limitations
Research Questions
Summary
Introduction
Brief Historical Background
The MaastrichtTreaty The Creation of the Euro
The Three-Pillar Structure
Enlargement Process of 1995
Enlargement Process of 2004
Greek Influence in the European Monetary Union
The EU Presidency
Report on the Findings of the Research
Implications of the Findings
Recommendations
From the Paper "The first setting that must be provided is a short history. This is done to properly contextualize the role played by Greece since the signing of the Maastricht Treaty and provides some basic information about the history and development of the EU. This brief historical look at the evolution of the European Union is not meant to be exhaustive instead the information is simply included to provide the reader with a feel for the methodology by which the union has taken shape. It is helpful to note at this point that the formation of the European Union is dramatically different than the formation of the United States but references are made to the so-called 'United States of Europe.' Where applicable, this statement will be elaborated upon and clarified as necessary."
Abstract This paper discusses the Treaty of Versailles which ended the First World War in terms of the Allies' desire for vengeance, the treaty's punishing territorial provisions, the unrealistic war reparations payments demanded of Germany, and the dire consequences these had upon chances for future peace.
Abstract This paper discusses Polish reactions to the Locarno Treaty of 1925 and their implications and consequences for Poland. It also examines the impact of the Treaty's defining Germany's western borders and the issue of Polish security.
From the Paper " This research paper discusses the Polish reaction to the Treaty of Locarno which was signed on October and the implications and consequences for Poland of that treaty. Under the Treaty of Locarno the principal European powers.."
Abstract Most Japanese that grew up after the 1970s are not even aware of the struggles that were experienced before them. The same can be said for the study of post-war Japanese history. The lion's share of research has been on the Japanese economic 'miracle', and relatively little has been mentioned of the post war hardships. This paper marks an effort to shift this balance. It will explore the so-called Security Treaty Crisis of 1960 between the US and Japan and pay particular attention to the social effects on Japan. To provide an understanding of the situation the origins of the crisis will be elaborated. Here, in addition to the domestic situation in Japan, the entire international scene must be looked at, as this was a critical time in the unfolding of the cold war. After setting this stage, the remainder of the paper will focus on the impact and importance of the crisis and the longer-term effects on Japan.
Abstract This paper examines the SALT Treaty process of 1972 through a case study structure, and analyzes the contending approaches; fundamental, marginal, and auxiliary arguments; and the results of SALT. The author concludes that SALT was beneficial in the long-term, for despite its flaws, it began a process of arms negotiations that culminated in significant arms reductions.
Abstract This essay identifies and explores some of the major challenges to European economic integration in the post-cold war era. It also traces the development of the European Union from the years following World War Two to the groundbreaking MaastrichtTreaty.
From the Paper "At the close of the Second World War, Heads of State from around the globe came together with the goal of ensuring that the devastation seen in that violent conflict would never again be repeated. One of their primary goals was to reinforce the European economy so that the continent could rise from the ashes of their broken cities and achieve the eminent philosopher Immanuel Kant's dream of perpetual peace. The U.S. Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, devised a plan that would give Europe the aid it so desperately needed but only if the individual countries pulled together and launched a joint effort to revitalize their continent. This measure would ensure the impecunious economic conditions that indirectly brought Hitler, Mussolini and Franco into power would be avoided. As the years progressed and the wounds of war slowly healed, Western European economies began to integrate their coal and steel markets."
Tags: europe, european, globalization, integration, maastricht, market, treaty, union
Traces the economic integration in Europe from the years after WWII to the groundbreaking MaastrichtTreaty and identifies some of the key challenges to this process.
2,469 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 10 sources, 2001, $ 75.95
Abstract The paper comments that at the dawn of this new millennium the project of European economic integration faces a number of challenges, each of which the EU is striving to address effectively. The paper goes on to describe these challenges and explore the pressing issues associated with them. Also examined, is the development of European economic integration from the years following World War Two to the rise of the European Union.
From the Paper "In 1995 the Madrid European Council asked for an examination of the likely effects of enlargement on the European Union. The report was to contain information pertaining to the consequences of enlargement in regard to agricultural and structural policies as well as a long-term budgetary outlook. Financial information was important because it was thought that enlargement would entail an extensive overhaul of EU economic policy in order to incorporate new member states."
Abstract This paper explains that, even though the Treaty of Versailles ultimately failed, it changed diplomatic history. The author not only examines Woodrow Wilson's impossible plan for the treaty and the League of Nations but also addresses the motivations of France, Great Britain, Italy and Japan and what they hoped to gain. The paper relates that the German people also felt that they were being treated unfairly and were betrayed by their government; therefore, the problems, which they had with the government and with the allied forces, distressed the German people.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Woodrow Wilson
The Long and Devastating War
The Spoils of War
Political Pressure and the Punishment of Germany
France
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty Great Britain
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty Italy
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty Japan
Desires Going into the War
Hardships That the Country Faced
Personal Goals of the Treaty How the Country's Diplomat Changed Wilson's Plan for the Treaty United States Politics
German Response to the Treaty Conclusion
From the Paper "This idea that Congress had regarding whether it would be more difficult to declare war was very important, as it also related to the spoils of war. The Treaty, had it been ratified, would have helped out many nations, but would have also made it more difficult for countries that did war with one another to collect items and take them home to their country. Because of this, the spoils of war that were generally collected would no longer be available, and many of the larger nations did not agree with this idea."
Abstract This paper examines the effect of the Treaty of Versailles of 1919 on European history during the interwar period. It looks at how the territorial, financial and security framework and arrangements created by and under the treaty ultimately (by the late 1930s) failed to keep the peace in Europe. It evaluates how the terms of the treaty and the manner it was imposed on Germany contributed to the continuing instability of Central and Eastern Europe and to revanchist sentiment in Germany.
Outline
Basic Facts
Treaty Terms: Motivations and Consequences
Impact of the Treaty's Economic Provisions
Overall Assessment of the Treaty's Impact
Conclusion
From the Paper "The reparations clause of the Treaty helped to undermine the political and economic stability of Germany and other nations in Central and Eastern Europe. The original amount of reparations demanded by the Allies ($200 billion by France) and ($120 billion by Britain) far exceeded postwar Germany's capacity to pay (Bailey 245). The combined burden of the initial reparations payments exacted from Germany in the early 1920s ($5 billion in gold), the dislocation to the German economy caused by the revolutionary situation at home and the adverse effects of the French occupation of the Ruhr led to a devastating devaluation of the German mark and hyperinflation."
Abstract The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk of 1917 closed the Eastern theater of World War I some two years before the Western armistice. Although the Treaty of Versailles traditionally overshadows that of Brest-Litovsk, the legacy of Russia's and Germany's separate peace treaty is arguably more important than Versailles's. This paper explores the personalities of the Russian leaders involved with the treaty, the internal political struggle behind the Soviet's foreign policy, and the legacy the treaty had in European affairs and Soviet policy.
From the Paper "The terms of the final Treaty signed at Brest-Litovsk were harsher than the ones dictated to Russia a month earlier. The Germans, who had also desired peace initially, had been insulted by Trotsky and the Bolsheviks to such a degree that they no would no longer act fairly towards Russia. Russia lost huge quantities of its natural resources, arable land, population and territory. For Lenin, the challenge now became getting the Congress of Bolsheviks to ratify such an embarrassing treaty."
Abstract This paper explains that numerous countries have created specific agreements aimed at protecting our natural environment. The paper points out that these treaties are formal agreements between states, which present guidelines aimed at various environmental problems. The paper then goes on to discuss and analyze the Kyoto Protocol, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the Montreal Protocol, the Energy Charter Treaty, the Outer Space Treaty and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The paper concludes that it is abundantly clear that all of the above-mentioned protocols and treaties have the capability to greatly affect the present and future status of our global environment but only if all nations and not just a few agree to their principles and guidelines.
From the Paper "In 1945, President Truman challenged the Freedom of the Sea doctrine by extending the United State's jurisdiction regarding natural resources up to 200nm. At this time, conflicts of sovereignty, oil exploration, mining and fishing were beginning to wreck disastrous effects on our ocean environments which led to the first UNCLOS conference in 1958; however, no agreement was reached regarding the breadth of the territorial sea. A second conference (UNCLOS II) took place in 1960, whereby a 6nm territorial breadth was proposed, yet this too suffered the same fate as the previous conference."
Abstract This paper discusses how the concept of national sovereignty established by the Treaty of Westphalia has slowly but surely been replaced with one of supra-national organizations of various types, assuming both the authority and the responsibility for many tasks that were jealously guarded by the nations of Europe in the past. It examines the Treaty of Westphalia in light of these recent trends and illustrates how the actions of transnational organizations are Machiavellian in their very nature. The paper suggests that this represents a source of future conflict within Europe wherein only a supra-national body can apply effective governance.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Review of the Literature
Treaty of Westphalia
Post-Modern Europe
Trans-Nationalism
Transnational Organisations
Essay
Introduction
Part One
Current European Political Climate
Pre-Westphalia Treaty Europe
European Spatial Development Perspective and the Issue of Polycentricism
Part Two
Three Types of Transnational Organizations
Transnational criminal/terrorist organizations
International non-governmental organizations
Part Three
Post-Westphalia Treaty Europe and Transnational Organisations
Summary
From the Paper "The research clearly showed that the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 represented a demarcation point in European history wherein the concept of national sovereignty was established only to be replaced over time by a number of historical transformations in international law that have profound implications for the European Union of the 21st century. Based on the foregoing, it is reasonable to conclude that the actions of TNOs are Machiavellian in their very nature and this represents a fundamental source of future conflict within Europe and creates an environment in which only supra-national bodies can apply and sustain effective governance."
