Description
The global nuclear order is becoming more unstable. Authors are discussing the dawn of a third nuclear age that is characterized by technologies that impact nuclear deterrence in multiple ways, by nuclear multipolarity and renewed competition between major powers. Moreover, global and regional arms control frameworks are collapsing or under pressure. In other words, the nuclear threat environment is deteriorating. Therefore, this proposal aims to focus on the policy of the EU towards nuclear weapons at the beginning of these turbulent times. The central research question is: in what ways does the EU engage and disengage with nuclear weapons? A preliminary qualitative content analysis of primary and secondary literature hints at engagement regarding nuclear arms control, but disengagement concerning nuclear deterrence. Subsequently, possible reasons for this difference are the presence of NATO as the main security provider in terms of nuclear deterrence and the disagreement between EU member states on this topic. However, if the EU wants to take on a more important role as a security provider, it should reflect more on nuclear strategy and deterrence, next to nuclear arms control. In addition to content analysis, this proposal wants to conduct elite interviews to verify and enrich the findings.
