The European Union in the 21st Century

The European Union in the 21st Century explores the EU's pursuit of power and plenty, examining how the tension between these objectives affects different issue areas. Nikolaos Zahariadis helps students understand these objectives and the systematic thinking employed by political scientists to understand the connections between policies, institutions, and actors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications Inc

The European Union in the 21st Century takes a comprehensive and insightful look at a complex and dynamic organization by exploring its pursuit of two distinct objectives: power (security and political influence) and plenty (economic growth and social welfare). In his book, Nikolaos Zahariadis aims to assist students in understanding these two objectives and the interplay between them, shedding light on how they shape different policy areas. Through this exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of the EU's identity and its role in the world.

Moreover, the book introduces students to the systematic thinking employed by political scientists to analyze the relationships between policies, institutions, and actors. By unpacking these various perspectives, students will gain a more profound insight into how policymakers think and why EU leaders make the decisions they do. This comprehensive approach will equip students with the tools they need to analyze and evaluate the EU's policies and actions in the ever-changing global landscape.

The pursuit of power and plenty by the European Union in the 21st Century is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. On the one hand, the EU seeks to assert its influence and secure its interests on the global stage, while on the other, it strives to promote economic growth and social welfare within its member states. This dual objective has led to a range of policies and initiatives aimed at achieving both goals.

One of the key areas where the tension between power and plenty manifests is in the EU's foreign policy. The EU has sought to expand its influence and promote its values through its foreign policy, including through the establishment of the European Union External Action Service (EU EAS) and the deployment of military missions. However, these efforts have also been met with criticism, particularly from those who argue that the EU's foreign policy is too interventionist and undermines the sovereignty of individual member states.

Similarly, the EU's economic policies have also been shaped by the tension between power and plenty. The EU has implemented a range of measures to promote economic growth, including through the establishment of the Single Market and the Eurozone. However, these policies have also led to concerns about inequality and social exclusion, particularly in countries that have not fully integrated into the EU's economic system.

In addition to these policy areas, the tension between power and plenty also manifests in the EU's approach to social welfare. The EU has implemented a range of social policies aimed at improving the well-being of its citizens, including social security, healthcare, and education. However, these policies have also been criticized for being too bureaucratic and inefficient, and for failing to address the root social and economic challenges facing many of its citizens.

To address these challenges, the EU has sought to strike a balance between power and plenty. This has involved a range of measures, including efforts to promote economic growth and social welfare through policies that are both inclusive and sustainable. For example, the EU has implemented policies to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, while also investing in social infrastructure to address poverty and inequality.

However, achieving this balance is not without its challenges. The EU faces a range of external pressures, including from other global powers such as the United States and China, as well as from domestic political divisions and economic uncertainty. These pressures can make it difficult for the EU to maintain a consistent and coherent approach to its policies and initiatives.

In conclusion, the pursuit of power and plenty by the European Union in the 21st Century is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires a nuanced and balanced approach. The EU must balance its desire to assert its influence and secure its interests with its commitment to promoting economic growth and social welfare within its member states. This requires a range of policies and initiatives that are both inclusive and sustainable, and that are able to address the range of external pressures that the EU faces. By doing so, the EU can continue to play a vital role in shaping the global landscape in the years to come.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781608710232