Geopolitics with European characteristics: An essay on pragmatic idealism, equality, and strategy

The Royal Institute for International Relations is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. Its interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom. Drawing on the expertise of its own research fellows, as well as that of external specialists, both Belgian and foreign, it provides analysis and policy options that are meant to be as operational as possible.This report came in the run-up to the presentation the new strategic guidance for EU external action, known as EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, to the European Council by the High Representative in June 2016. It was critical of the European Union for closing its eyes on the less amiable goings-on in the world around us and behaving as if geopolitics and power politics no longer existed, and of the EU’s 'idealist strategic paradigm', which it saw as being under pressure. It asks the question 'How can our idealism be pragmatically adapted to forge a new strategic paradigm for EU foreign and security policy that allows Europe both to remain true to itself and to become more effective in a world of both cooperation and competition between the powers?'

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: European Union Global Strategy http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-union-global-strategy/

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