European Union in Changing International Order

European Union (EU) is presumably a major player in the world. The developments within the EU and its external postures have theoretical implications and apparent consequences to the rest of the world. The integration process touching the core areas of nation states has prompted a relook into our hitherto-held notions on political categories. This process has invoked a mixed response on the future of Europe, including questions about its identity and the loyalty of its people as well as the further expansion of EU to include Turkey. The neo-liberal economic policies of EU which were not articulated in clear terms earlier have now become quite assertive and have a significant bearing on its interaction with other sovereign countries. EU’s `strategic partnerships’ and relations with major countries of the world as well as its increasing role in conflict areas signifies the emergence of EU as a global political actor. These multi-faceted developments invariably make EU a curious entity. The thirteen essays by Indian and European scholars presented in this volume critically debate and examine the implications of EU as a global actor. These essays analyse the future of EU and the Euro in the backdrop of the current economic crisis and debate on the admission of Turkey. The external priorities of EU and its linkages and perspectives towards China, South Asia, and in particular, India are evaluated in the light of recent developments.