European Defence in the Long Run: Can Europe Play a Leading Role in a Multipolar World?

Abstract

The global system is moving away from an order in which a Western state, most recently the US, is at the centre. Instead, the rise of China and India and other emerging economies, has caused a shift towards multipolarity. There is cause for concern as these new powers are not founded on the same values as those of Europe and the US. The decisions made are thus not only unaligned with the West, but these emerging economies also possess the power to implement and reinforce their decisions. Europe has taken certain initiatives to maintain some semblance of influence on today's global stage; however, these initiatives are not flawless.