European Union and its Eastern Neighbourhood: Europeanisation and its Twenty-First-Century Contradictions

This volume examines key issues in the EU's relations with its eastern neighbors, including Russia, Turkey, the Eastern Partnership, Ukraine, security, democracy, and European identity. It explores the interplay between values, identity, and interests and their impact on Europeanization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate dynamics of the European Union's (EU) relations with its eastern neighbors, offering a timely and insightful examination of the key issues currently shaping these relationships. It explores the profound impact of a more assertive Russia, the growing significance of Turkey, the challenges posed by the Eastern Partnership with Belarus and Moldova, the complex position of Ukraine caught between Russia and the EU, the urgent concerns of security and democracy in the South Caucasus, and the contentious nature of European identity in regions such as the Balkans. Furthermore, the book examines the ways in which the EU's interests and values can be tested in sectors such as trade and migration, highlighting the complex interplay between values, identity, and interests and their profound influence on the interpretation of Europeanization between the EU and its neighbors.

The volume is organized into five distinct chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the EU's relations with its eastern neighbors. In the first chapter, the authors examine the evolving role of Russia in the region, highlighting its assertive stance, military interventions, and influence over its neighbors. They explore the implications of Russia's resurgence for EU-Russian relations, including the potential for conflict and cooperation.

The second chapter focuses on the growing significance of Turkey in the EU's eastern neighborhood. The authors examine Turkey's role as a regional power, its economic development, and its increasingly assertive foreign policy. They explore the challenges and opportunities that Turkey's rise presents for the EU, including the potential for closer cooperation and competition.

The third chapter examines the limitations of the Eastern Partnership with Belarus and Moldova. The authors argue that the Eastern Partnership, intended to promote democracy and human rights in the region, has faced challenges due to the authoritarian regimes in Belarus and Moldova. They explore the implications of the Eastern Partnership for EU-Russian relations and the potential for alternative approaches to promoting democracy and human rights in the region.

The fourth chapter examines the complex position of Ukraine caught between Russia and the EU. The authors explore Ukraine's historical ties with Russia, its aspirations for EU membership, and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. They examine the implications of Ukraine's crisis for EU-Russian relations, including the potential for further escalation and the need for diplomatic solutions.

The fifth chapter examines the security and democracy challenges in the South Caucasus. The authors argue that the South Caucasus region is characterized by instability, conflict, and authoritarianism. They explore the implications of these challenges for regional security, EU-Russian relations, and the potential for promoting democracy and human rights in the region.

Throughout the volume, the authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on political science, international relations, and regional studies to provide a comprehensive analysis of the EU's relations with its eastern neighbors. They offer insightful perspectives on the complex dynamics of power, identity, and interests shaping these relationships, and provide valuable recommendations for policymakers and scholars alike.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a valuable contribution to the study of European Union's relations with its eastern neighbors. It provides a timely and insightful examination of the key issues currently shaping these relationships, and offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between values, identity, and interests. The book will be of interest to students, scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of European integration and its impact on the region.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526109101