The European Union: Is a Common Foreign Policy Possible?

In the beginning of the twenty-first century, Europe is going though many monumental changes, which some are calling the "New European Renaissance." Economically, Europe has formed a coherent economy with the creation of the European Economic Community, the European Central bank and a single currency, the Euro. While Europe has come together politically and formed a loose confederation known as the European Union (EU), the European Union has drafted a common European constitution. In this constitution there is a clause to create a common European foreign policy among its twenty-five member states. However, this prospect will face many obstacles and challenges for Europeans. To identify these we will examine the divergent world views and foreign policies of the three dominant nations of the European Union: Great Britain, France and Germany.

Jeffrey B. Hogue graduated from Niagara University, where he received his BA in history. His work has focused on the political and social dimensions of international politics and World History. He currently resides in Southern California, as he purses his master''s degree in history at California State University, Long Beach.