Europe’s Common Foreign and Security Policy

Abstract

Outlines the institutions which form and implement the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union (EU CFSP) and the instruments those institutions apply to implement the EU CFSP. Examines the history of the EU CFSP. Compares the current conflict in Syria to the past failure of the EU to manage a similar conflict in Yugoslavia. Argues that while the EU may contribute to the peaceful transition of power in Syria as mediator between the U.S. and Russia and/or between Assad and Rebels, that it is much likelier that paralyis, incapacity, and disintegration of the failing state are likelier outcomes. No matter how well considered the EU CFSP institutions and instruments are they are consensus oriented and to present there is no decisive coherent will sufficiently powerful to propose and broker a viable solution to the crisis in Syria. The death of Syria is bad for business - and worse for peace and human rights. Realistically, the E.U. does have soft-power mechanisms. Hopefully in concert with E.U. trading partners a better solution than the long agony will be found.