‘We are one of the most important, if not the most important, normative powers in the world' stated European Commission President José Manuel Barroso at an interview in 2007. Is his statement accurate or merely strategic? Diplomatic or aspirational? As the transformation into a new world order is still being witnessed, it is important to assess the role of different international powers. Europe is a particularly relevant example, following the Lisbon treaty that has strengthened the EU and increased its power in international affairs.
This essay contests Barroso's view that Europe is a normative power, while still acknowledging the normative emphasis in European policy, and notes how Europe's perceived weakness (its emphasis on soft power) is in reality its strength. I suggest that, while a flawed concept (and far from being an ideal type), the post-Maastricht European Union resembles a civilian power more than a normative power, or normative ‘force'. This allows for the economic preponderance and emphasis on international and supranational institutions and multilateral action to be considered in addition to the normative element. The problems associated with using any power model will be assessed, suggesting that they can be used as legitimising tools and that the emphasis should not focus on what Europe is, but what it does. Nevertheless, I propose that if a power model is an essential requisite then Europe is best summarized as an ‘ethical power' rather than a civilian or normative power.
Chloe Gotterson is an MA candidate in Geopolitics and Grand Strategy at the University of Sussex.
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