Global Politics and the Evolving EU-US-China Triangle: An Opportunity for EU Leadership? College of Europe Policy Brief #10.17, November 2017

Montesano, Francesco Saverio (2017) Global Politics and the Evolving EU-US-China Triangle: An Opportunity for EU Leadership? College of Europe Policy Brief #10.17, November 2017. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

Executive Summary > A changing global order requires actors aiming at global leadership to develop a flexible foreign policy approach to interdependence. > Given their material pre-eminence, it is particularly crucial to analyse how the US, China and the EU have been responding to the fluidity of the global system. > The structural primacy of the United States makes it hostile to reforming global governance, and the current Administration is veering towards a more withdrawn, unilateral approach to global issues which risks creating a ‘power vacuum’. > China has been greatly stepping up its global engagement, displaying pragmatic flexibility and promoting reform via inclusive, ‘horizontal’ leadership on many issues. > The EU, despite internal constraints, has been making important steps forward towards strategic pragmatism, especially via its 2016 Global Strategy. > In light of US disengagement, the EU’s effectiveness and legitimacy as a global actor could greatly benefit from co-leadership with an increasingly proactive China in a number of domains, especially those pertaining to the sustainable management of the global commons.

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