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

This volume explores key issues that are currently at the forefront of the EU’s relations with its eastern neighbours. It considers the impact of a more assertive Russia, the significance of Turkey, the limitations of the Eastern Partnership with Belarus and Moldova, the position of a Ukraine in crisis and pulled between Russia and the EU, security and democracy in the South Caucasus.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2018
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 the potential for tensions due to Turkey's conflicting interests with Russia and the EU.

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-Belarus-Moldova relations, including the potential for further isolation and the need for more effective engagement.

The fourth chapter examines the complex position of Ukraine caught between Russia and the EU. The authors argue that Ukraine's historical ties with Russia and its desire to integrate into the EU create a difficult balancing act for the country. They explore the challenges and opportunities that Ukraine faces in its relations with the EU, including the potential for EU membership and the potential for conflict with Russia.

The fifth chapter examines the urgent concerns of security and democracy in the South Caucasus. The authors argue that the South Caucasus region is characterized by instability, conflict, and authoritarianism, and that the EU has a critical role to play in promoting security and democracy in the region. They explore the challenges and opportunities that the EU faces in its relations with the South Caucasus, including the potential for conflict resolution and the need for more effective engagement.

Throughout the volume, the authors draw on a range of academic literature, policy documents, and empirical evidence to provide a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the EU's relations with its eastern neighbors. They offer insightful perspectives on the complex dynamics of these relationships, including the role of historical legacies, geopolitical tensions, and economic interests.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume provides a valuable contribution to the study of European Union's relations with its eastern neighbors. It offers a timely and insightful examination of the key issues currently shaping these relationships, highlighting the profound impact of a more assertive Russia, the growing significance of Turkey, the challenges posed by the Eastern Partnership, 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. The book also 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. By exploring these critical themes, the volume provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of EU-Eastern European relations and offers valuable recommendations for policymakers and scholars alike.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526109095