ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book addresses questions that have important theoretical and policy implications pertaining to the global power transition, policy challenges facing European Union (EU) member states, and prospects for ever closer union. The attempt to produce a general theory of international politics extends power transition theory to account for both conflict and cooperation systematically. The first element of the model is hierarchy. The integration process generates gains but also dislocates existing economies. The structural analysis of relative power based on economic output comparisons shows that the EU cannot be a serious global actor if individual member states choose to act alone. Moreover, the internal challenges facing the EU are monumental. The micro-analysis based on agent-based models provides a shorter but more detailed picture of the near future for the EU.
