ETT GEMENSAMT EUROPEISKT FÖRSVAR? En kvantitativ analys av attityder till gemensam säkerhets- och försvarspolitik i EU

Abstract

Given the current geopolitical situation in Europe and the upcoming election for the European Parliament, it is important to further analyse individuals’ attitudes towards European integration, specifically the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). This analysis aims to gain a deeper understanding of individuals attitude towards CSDP. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse which factors that plays a leading role in influencing individuals’ attitude towards CSDP. Previous research suggests that national identity, European identity and ideology are the leading factors that determine whether an individual holds a positive or negative attitude towards CSDP. However, this study also includes individuals’ perception of external threat as a critical factor. To conclude this study, material from the Eurobarometer survey, covering all 27 member states in the European Union (EU), was collected and analysed through a logistic regression analysis. Based on previous studies, together with the results from the logistic regression analysis, it is shown that European identity, ideology and external threats are factors that influence individual attitudes in a positive way towards the CSDP.