Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the impact that 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have had on European security. It grows out of a joint workshop between the Contemporary Europe Research Centre (CERC) at The University of Melbourne, and the International Relations and Global Security Research Unit based in Curtin University of Technology in Perth. The book gives the deepening schisms on security not only between European states, but also between parts of Europe and America. It is devoted to case studies of security policies in major European states. Russia's policy of support for the war on terror was also qualified by opposition to any violations of territorial integrity and the principle of state sovereignty. Many academics in their post 9/11 assessments saw the US and the West as defenders of peace, liberty and democracy.