The nexus between European security and democratization and the Mediterranean Muslim states: Democracy 'Bon Pour L'Orient'

Abstract

It has often been argued that (he EU appears to be endeavoring to purposely create a 'security community' with those countries in its 'near abroad'. However, I argue in this article that relations between the EU and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean states are not similar to those with other neighboring countries in terms of democracy, democratization and security. The central argument is that the EU's security considerations do not completely correspond with features of the policy of democratization in Muslim Mediterranean countries, in contrast with relations with the other neighboring states. Therefore, while the EU acknowledges the legitimacy of the democratic peace arguments regarding other neighboring countries, it suspects the validity of this proposition in the Mediterranean context.