Europe as a Stronger Global Actor: Challenges and Strategic Responses [Paperback]

This book considers the principal challenges facing the European Union, which has been buffeted by a series of profound crises, both internal and external. These range from the future of Ukraine, the Unions reactions to Chinas One Belt, One Road initiative, how to help stabilize countries to its south, and relations with the United States. The core argument is that the EU lacks a meta-narrative that could indicate priorities and linkages between the various continental, regional, national and thematic strategies. As a result, the EU often appears to be a confusing and even contradictory actor to many international partners. In response to these challenges the EU needs to develop a deeper sense of strategic awareness and confidence so that it may give a more convincing response to fundamental questions about the Unions role, purpose and identity in a changing world. Introduction.- Chapter 1. The EUs strategic unconsciousness and normative hubris.- Chapter 2. Existential doubts and Strategic dilemmas.- Chapter 3. In search of strategy.- Chapter 4. The return of geopolitics and relations to the east.- Chapter 5. Geopolitics in the post-Arab Spring.- Chapter 6. Transatlantic relations and Europes missing Asia pivot.- Chapter 7. Europes harder edges: Security and Defence.- Chapter 8. Putting effectiveness into multilateralism.- Chapter 9. Strategy, implementation and means.- Chapter 10. Reconceptualizing the world and the liberal delusion.