Spain at Europe's crossroads: prospects for Spanish integration to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European economic community

Abstract

This thesis examines the implications of Spain's integration into Western Europe through membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Economic Community (EEC). The EEC is discussed to provide background for analysis of key issues pertaining to Spanish membership. The ramifications of future NATO membership, given Spain's strategic importance in the Mediterranean, are considered. From a Spanish perspective, the thesis concentrates on the countervailing political and economic factors involved with Spanish integration into the EEC and NATO. United States national interests in Spain are explored in light of probable changes as Spain joins Western Europe. Spain's integrative process illustrates the relationship between Spanish national security goals and Spanish economic development goals. As Spain attains these goals, the need to depend on the U.S. for security protection may diminish. A more independent European role for Spain can be expected as its nascent democracy matures.