Norbert Suwalski Student No. 413744 PD Dr. phil.

Reinhard Isensee Transatlantic Symposium Transatlantic Symposium Proposal Topic: NATO and the EU, competition or cooperation? Multipolar relations evolved in the World since Soviet Union did not stand the test of time. For the first few years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, international relations were unipolar with the US as a hegemon. However situation evolved due to the rise of a new regional superpowers like China, India, Brazil but as well united European Union, World became then a multipolar powergame arena. NATO was established to compete/protect with/from Soviet bloc (or Warsaw Pact), but when this bloc cease to exist, the North Atlantic treaty has lost its original aims. What is more, European Union put more effort in creation of its own defense forces. Since the Amsterdam Treaty of 1997, so called Western European Union a defense organization established in 1948, became a part of the European Union. Now it constitutes one of three pillars of the EU, called Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). What will be the outcome of that situation, especially when most of the EU members are as well members of the NATO? On the other hand we observe increasing cooperation between those two bodies explicit in Berlin Plus agreement that permit the EU to draw on some of NATO's military assets in its own peacekeeping operations. In my presentation I want to show the rising competition from the EU site and crisis in the NATO aims. Especially with regard to war with terrorism and lack of common enemy like Soviet Union. Wars in Afghanistan proved that neither USA want military help of the entire NATO, nor EU is willing to involve more in military action under command of the US. Impasse in mutual relations may lead to significant changes in the long term cooperation.

Motivation statement

I would like to apply to be a participant in a student conference, here in Berlin and as well in a research trip to Madrid. I hope that my work during Transatlantic Symposium proved that I am involved and responsible person. If not, student conference is a good chance to show my attitudes. I see this conference as a challenge that I want to meet. It a great opportunity, not only to gain experience that might be useful in future, but as well to broaden horizons while meeting students from the US. My experiences, gained here in Berlin, helped to look at the matter of the thing from different perspectives. Hope that my participation in conference will contribute in deepening this experiences. What is more I hope that my presentation topic suits students conference and I will have a chance to present it to broader audience.

Yours sincerely

Norbert Suwalski