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Time for a European Union grand strategy

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One may not be aware of it, but in its 2003 European Security Strategy (ESS) the E.U. has a grand strategy – but only a partial one. Grand strategy is about the long-term overall foreign policy objectives to be achieved and the basic categories of instruments to be applied to that end. It serves as a reference framework for day-to-day policy-making and guides the definition of the means – i.e. the civilian and military capabilities – to be developed. By  nature, grand strategy has a broad scope, integrating all external policies, so in E.U. terms not just ESDP or even CFSP, but all relevant Community policies as well.

in European Geostrategy18 Aug. 2009.
(Photo credit: rockcohen, Flickr )