Normatieve macht Europa: kanttekeningen bij een wetenschappelijke en politieke notie

Andre Gerrits discusses the role of Europe in the current debate on shifting global power relations. In comparison with other powers (the United States, China, Russia) there is a vast array of interpretations on the European Union's global role and relevance: from the EU as an ever more marginal actor to the world's new super power. Among those who take the EU seriously a fair measure of agreement exists on the distinct nature of Europe's global power, namely the soft, civilian or normative nature of its power. The author discusses the main features of Normative Power Europe, debates its flaws, and as­sesses its practical relevance.