Great Powers Competition in Europe during Turbulent Times and Small Powers Attempting of Manage their Security

Abstract

The world is moving from unipolarity towards a multipolar system of great powers. How should smaller powers in Europe manage during those turbulent times of great power competition? This article argues that while it can be beneficial for smaller powers to participate in European integration and enhance their security via a defence alliance lead by a single great power, such as NATO, those smaller powers should in a multipolar world avoid unnecessary tensions and conflicts with other great powers in the system. Further expansion of NATO is highly questionable as it has already contributed the greatest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Keywords

• great power competition
• small powers
• european integration
• defence alliances