ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to explore the nature and development of the institutional superstructure of Euro-Atlantic unipolarity. This is important because the Euro-Atlantic unipole is a membership pole (Mouritzen 1998a: 38). In contrast to other poles, it is not a state but a stable alliance where four pole powers have pooled much of their capabilities and prestige in order to pursue their common interests in the region, most importantly stability in economic and security affairs and the liberal-democratic consolidation of Europe allowing them to maintain their positions of power. The most important means of achieving this goal are the EU and NATO, and the effect of power projection on a specific non-pole power depends on its affiliation with these two institutions.
