ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the increasing diversity of interests, combined with parochialism is likely to increase the propensity for replacing collective responses by unilateralism, ad hoc arrangements and a competitive use of institutions as instruments for national policies. It examines to what extent the multilateral institutions in Europe are able to satisfy the security needs of its member states. The chapter addresses the question of how multilateral arrangements can enhance or constrain national and international efforts to promote stability, good governance and peaceful settlements of conflicts in ‘greater’ Europe and its adjacent areas. The understanding of security has become a more complex issue, which is due to a large extent to sub-regional risks and threats, that are emerging in the periphery of Europe or in adjacent regions. The congruence of security interest and the perception of political stakes are no longer in line with the Alliance membership.
