The role of the Arab League and the European Union as regional security organizations. (c2017)

Abstract

Regionalism has been gaining relevance as a decisive factor shaping national security. Using mechanisms and initiatives provided by regional alliances, states have found in regionalism a means to deter external threats. The Arab League and the European Union, for example, are two regional organizations that have confronted security threats -­‐-­‐ internal as well as external. In different ways, they have utilized regional security policies and strategies to mitigate conflicts and contain external threats. Through a comparative analysis of their success and effectiveness in crises management, this study aims to provide an assessment of both entities’ approaches to mitigate the Darfur and Syrian conflicts. The thesis provides a preliminary evaluation of the approaches implemented while highlighting the advantages and challenges of regionalism in conflict and security management.