ABSTRACT
Neo-realists regard the bipolar Cold War period between 1947 and 1989, based on nuclear weapons and a balance of military capabilities between the USA and Soviet Union and their respective allies, as an extremely stable one that ensured a long-lasting peace in Europe (e.g. Mearsheimer 1990:10-21). The end of the Cold War implied the destabilisation of this structure and, consequently, more instability, more insecurity and a greater likelihood of conflict in Europe. Neutral countries had benefited from the bipolar, peaceful structure as had those which were a member of one of the two military alliances. The end of the Cold War removed this cosy arrangement. New conflicts, real or potential, have emerged at the borders and endangered these countries’ security. The conflicts in former Yugoslavia bordering Austria, and the potential conflicts between the three Baltic states and Russia in the vicinity of Sweden, underline this point. In this situation, it is argued along neo-realist lines, Austria and Sweden might have joined the EU in order to become part of a strong alliance of states. The close relationship between the EU and WEU and, therefore, NATO, as well as the emerging CFSP would provide security guarantees for Sweden and Austria without becoming a member of the WEU or NATO itself (Huldt: 1995:149; Neuhold 1994:110-11; Pedersen 1994:83; Schneider 1994:17-18).
