Accommodating or Entrenching? How the EU Is Dealing with Changes in the Multilateral System

Abstract

The EU is reconciling itself with the fact that the post-WWII multilateral system is facing remarkable challenges, derived from—among other sources—the incorporation of emerging powers as key actors in global governance. These changes are widely perceived as adverse for the EU, as they weaken both its relative position and that of its closest allies. The introductory chapter presents a conceptualisation of change in the international structure and of the ways in which it can trigger change in EU foreign policies vis-à-vis international institutions. In addition, the chapter suggests that different reactions to adverse change by the EU hold different assumptions on the nature of the EU as an international actor. Finally, the empirical findings of the book are presented and discussed.