ABSTRACT
A recent exchange with a European friend serves as a relevant introduction to this discussion, the question at hand, related to the European Union. Although I spend significant time in Europe traveling, lecturing, teaching, and writing, both the intricacies and philosophy of the European Union are a constant source of curiosity to me. My friend reminded me of the horror of the Second World War and recognition of strength through numbers. I acknowledge both, in conjunction with under the surface concerns, regarding German power and history, the willingness to cede sovereignty voluntarily is, for me, puzzling. That is not to suggest establishment of the European Union is not understandable; given Europe’s history, it is. The history of Europe and, in particular, the voluntary relinquishment by EU members, serves as an important backdrop to this chapter. After all, the decision to join the European Union, and therefore to agree to minimizing national sovereignty, clearly suggests that sovereignty is not absolute. Rather, both the European Union and operational counterterrorism highlight that sovereignty is fungible, whether voluntary or not. See Figure 5.1.
