Neorealism and the EU’s normative power

Abstract

The European Union (EU) can be thought of as a butterfly because, like a butterfly, it is a complex and delicate system that is highly sensitive to changes in its environment. Just as a butterfly’s wings are easily damaged by even the slightest disturbance, the EU is vulnerable to external shocks and disruptions that can have far-reaching consequences. However, when the conditions are right, the EU can also be a powerful force for change and transformation, just like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis to take flight. This forensic analysis delves into the complexities of international and European governance, examining their organisation and multi-level dimensions, including their design, power dynamics, and actors. It sheds light on the EU’s complex political landscape and its relationship to the international realm. It establishes a spectrum of power lenses, highlighting the disjunction between individual and systemic-levels and challenging the sustainability of the nation-state model (NSM). The study advocates for a flexible political infrastructure matrix to adapt to emerging innovations and global pressures. Examining the EU’s security and foreign policy infrastructure, the analysis uncovers inconsistencies and calls for reformation beyond the liberal-intergovernmental approach. By employing a Neorealist-Constructivist lens, it emphasizes the need for a smart power foreign policy(F.P.) to optimise the EU’s framework. The Russo-Ukraine conflict serves as a case-study, illustrating the clash between Russian expansionism and the EU’s values. The conflict prompts a re-evaluation of the EU’s security architecture and highlights the potential future of warfare in Europe. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between Neorealism and Normative aspects within the EU. It calls for potential reform/transformation to enhance the EU’s effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges, contributing to a deeper understanding of the European security landscape.