ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is based on the report and the background papers. It argues that the European Union (EU) should adopt what it defines as a second-generation human security approach as an alternative both to the War on Terror and the Liberal Peace – the approach that the EU has largely followed. The book examines Federica Mogherini's strategic assessment 'The European Union in a changing global environment'. It provides a review of the ongoing violent conflict in Ukraine and the contemporaneous economic and political crises. The book closes with reflections on the challenges facing the EU in the region as well as the need to align EU policies with a human security approach that is selfconsciously bottom-up and regional in character. It looks at the EU engagement with Syria at different stages.
