ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by introducing the question of whether or not the EU has a foreign policy. Arguing that it does not, the chapter then assesses the potential for the EU to develop a unified foreign and security policy in the future. The tools of traditional foreign policy analysis add relatively little to our understanding of the EU. The EU is best understood as a unique type of institution rather than an embryonic state. Chapter 1 examines also the divided nature of decision-making in the European Commission. The vision of Europe’s political power and world role is explained, and contrasted with the widespread perception of Europe as a ‘political dwarf. But despite the higher growth rates of other areas, Europe is still an economic superpower.
