Integrating the EU International Approach: Complexity, Flexibility and Responsibility

Johnston, Mary. (2007) Integrating the EU International Approach: Complexity, Flexibility and Responsibility. In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 2007 (10th), May 17-19, 2007, pages 8, Montreal, Canada.

Abstract

[From the introduction]. At most, other countries in the world view the EU as a selective and inconsistent “soft power” actor that often cannot reach a consensus even for this application of power. At least, especially in circles in the United States that focus almost exclusively on the “military” War on Terror, the EU is seen as a non-actor. This paper maintains that the EU role is under-valued for many reasons. Much of the work the EU does in international relations is behind-the-scenes in “contact” and other informal groups. Other joint actions it takes may not be directly attributable to the EU because the mode of cooperation may be played outside this framework, for example, the EU in NATO, in the United Nations, in transatlantic relations and other contexts. Furthermore, this paper maintains that the EU is a significant actor, and its significance is growing as security threats take new forms.