The European Union as a Global Actor (PDF)

When trade, global warming, human rights, local conflicts - or indeed most of the major global issues are reported - the European Union is increasingly in evidence. It is clearly not a state, but in some respects it ranks with the USA as a force in world affairs. Europe has its policies, defends its interests and is urged to act; but what exactly does this mean? The European Union as a Global Actor seeks to answer this question. Informed by contemporary theoretical debates within the discipline of International Relations, this book is the first sustained analysis of EU foreign policy. Issues covered include:
* how actorness is constructed, and the status, coherence, consistency and roles of the EU as an actor
* how the field of trade relations forms the basis of the EU's activities
* the EU in global environmental diplomacy, N-S relations and in relation to the Mediterranean and East/Central Europe
* the EUs controversial relationship to CFSP and defence.
This user-friendly text reveals that the EU is a multifaceted and variable actor, which cannot be fitted into any orthodox template of a nation state. Charlotte Bretherton and John Voglers challenging approach is the most up-to-date analysis of the EU in global politics, filling a gap in existing literature for all those involved in European studies, politics and international relations.