Spain and the US in a New Strategic Context

Abstract

The 2013 Spanish National Security Strategy sets a clear continuity with the 2011 Spanish Security Strategy regarding the treatment of the partnership and relations with the Unites States, showing a political consensus on a fundamental national policy for Spain. However, it tends to be more a political document and a declarative consensus than a security strategy with greater depth and width. In this sense, the National Security Strategy presents questionable conceptions and perceptions about the structure of the international system and the behavior of the great powers, which can create narratives, strategies and policies in a situation of decreasing capabilities. All this can lead to trigger a security dilemma. In this sense, alliances and strategic policies of Spain could move between its reinforcement (chain gangs) or abandonment (buckpassing), including more realistic strategic planning. A review of the Agreement on Defense Cooperation and the 2001 Joint Declaration Statement could be a first-class strategic option for the security policy of Spain.