American foreign policy and modified collective security systems

Abstract

Chapter 1) Introduction

This chapter describes the approach, the limitations and the outline of the thesis. Of importance is that the thesis has no ambitions to consider whether collective security might be a post-Cold War solution. The thesis focuses at theoretical demands of CS systems considered already operating. The main question of the thesis is whether US participation in Modified CS systems can serve American interests. This relevance is found by looking at the demands connected to each state participating in the CS system.

Chapter 2) Introduction to the premises and interests of American foreign policy

This chapter aims to create a platform for the understanding of US foreign policy. American Exceptionalism is the notion that the USA was created differently, developed differently, and thus has to be understood in this relevance. The US foreign policy basis is a blend of Idealism and Realism. Idealism and Realism are respectively linked to the US nation and the US state, a combination that has foreign policy implications.

Chapter 3) Introduction to premises and forms of security cooperation

All states operate within the framework of the international anarchy. Within this framework any state takes care of its own security interests. If a state, to secure itself, cooperates with others, two forms of cooperation are relevant: collective defence (CD) and collective security (CS). The starting point for CS is the Ideal CS system. Connected to Ideal CS there are theoretical assumptions, in this thesis limited to six. Modified CS systems are made possible by deviations from the assumptions and demands of Ideal CS. Two such Modified CS systems are introduced: Regional CS and Concert CS.

Chapter 4) Assumptions of CS and their implications for the USA

The characteristics of the six assumptions are connected to US foreign policy, to see if it is possible for the USA to comply with the demands connected to each state in the system.

Chapter 5) Final summary and concluding remarks

In this chapter the assumptions are summed up and related to the relevant forms of Modified CS systems, and US foreign policy. The conclusion tries to sum up the main information presented in the previous chapters, and to underline the outcome of the conclusion.

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