The Power of War: Why Europe Needs It

This paper examines the role of conflict and war in the process of European integration from a neoclassical Realist perspective. It borrows generously from theoretical relatives, most notably constructivism and feminist theory. It argues that the EU needs to normalize its relationship with power, and find a balance between its modern and post-modern personae.

It concludes that the EU should abscond its 'ethical' commitment to shape the world in its own, post-national image, and that it has to return to its Realist roots and base its foreign, security, and defence policies on a more hard-headed calculation of common European interests.