Lynne Rienner European Union in the World Community

Although the European Union as a supranational entity is the subject of much academic and policy analysis, there is little disagreement that the Union significantly shapes the policy orientations of member states toward one another. In the realm of foreign policy, however, the assessment of the EU's role in affecting or replacing member-state behaviour is much more mixed. This volume analyzes the character of the EU as an actor in international affairs. The authors consider the following questions: Does the EU have an identity of its own in global affairs, distinct from that of its member states? What is its relationship with other major international actors? What constraints and opportunities exist for this unique entity? And what gives the EU authority and legitimacy in international affairs? Collectively, the authors explore how the EU is shaping international relations beyond its borders in security, diplomatic, economic and environmental affairs. Synopsis Although the European Union as a supranational entity is the subject of much academic and policy analysis, there is little disagreement that the Union significantly shapes the policy orientations of member states toward one another. In the realm of foreign policy, however, the assessment of the EU's role in affecting or replacing member-state behaviour is much more mixed. This volume analyzes the character of the EU as an actor in international affairs. The authors consider the following questions: Does the EU have an identity of its own in global affairs, distinct from that of its member states? What is its relationship with other major international actors? What constraints and opportunities exist for this unique entity? And what gives the EU authority and legitimacy in international affairs? Collectively, the authors explore how the EU is shaping international relations beyond its borders in security, diplomatic, economic and environmental affairs.