Publication

This article will argue that despite the obvious current weaknesses of the EU’s defence dimension, it is now abandoning its civilian power image. The second section questions the assumptions that lie behind such a move, in particular the widespread perception that the EU will be unable to act effectively in international affairs unless it can use military instruments. The third section examines the security threats facing the EU and questions how military instruments would help reduce or eliminate them. The EU risks generating a “security dilemma” itself, if outsiders feel threatened by the establishment of an armed bloc centred on the Union. Finally, it will argue that the case for a civilian power EU is still strong.