ABSTRACT
Europe is no stranger to crises. Indeed, European integration has often advanced because of them. The scale of the structural challenge Europe now faces should not be underestimated. China’s presence is likely to continue to grow not just in Europe’s markets but also in its politics. Beijing will seek to influence European behaviour in international affairs, and to capitalise on Washington’s weakening interest in the continent. Europe’s quest for strategic relevance is further complicated by a relative weakening in its transatlantic partner and protector’s ability to influence and shape international affairs. The imperative for the European Union (EU) to serve as an avatar for post-nationalist politics and effective multilateralism, and to act as an antidote to resurgent nationalism not just within its continent but beyond, has never been clearer. In reality, much of the rest of the world might reasonably have given up on European and EU leadership in international security.
